The Ford Capri is a fastback coupe that was built by the Ford Motor Company between 1968 and 1986, spanning almost 2 decades of prominence within the car industry.

Built and conceptualized by Philip T. Clark, an American automotive designer who worked for both General Motors and Ford, he also worked on the design of the Capri's cousin, the Ford Mustang.

The Capri went on to become a very successful and notable car for the company, selling almost 2 million units in its near-2o year lifespan. With a wide variety of engines utilized through the production, the Capri came in different specification models and styles.

Another subdivision of this Ford Capri, the Mercury Capri was a nameplate marketed by the Lincoln-Mercury division of Ford, a division of Ford Motor Company created in 1938 as an entry-level premium brand.

The Mercury Capri was produced in three different series from 1970-1994, with over 20 years of sales within the car market, characterized as a sports compact from 1970 to 1978, a pony car from 1979-1986, and a roadster from 1991-1994.

Keep reading to figure out if the Capri is one of the 5 cars that absolutely ruined Mercury. Even if it was, the Mercury brand will live on forever through the annual car convention - and maybe you'll see a few Capris there.

Let's dive a little deeper about why we absolutely love the Mercury Capri - and why we REALLY love the 1983 Capri...

Second Generation Specs

Mercury Capri
via Ford Muscle

The second generation of the Mercury Capri was produced between 1979-1986 and was also known as the Ford Mustang (produced from 1979-1993).

For the first year of the second generation in 1979, several changes occurred since its predecessor as the Capri became officially a part of the Mercury model line instead of just a counterpart of the Ford Mustang.

Although the exterior features were similar to that of the Mustang, the second-generation Mercury Capri was only offered in the three-door hatchback variation.

RELATED: Ultra Rare Mercury Cyclone GT Indy 500 Car Sets The Pace

1983 Unique Characteristics

Mercury Capri
via Orlando Classic Cars

The Capri was styled with a unique front grille that was vertically mounted and dark-tinted tail lamps complete with horizontal lenses. In comparison to the wide wheel openings that were used on the Mustang, the Capri used flared wheel openings.

For the 1983 model year, the Capri gained a new rear hatchback that featured a large compound-curve rear window, showing a huge change since the previous second-generation years.

The engine options were plentiful, offering various OHC and OHV engines ranging from 2.3 liters to a 4.2-liter V8 monster. Further, the transmission came in either a 4 or 5-speed manual option, or a 3 or 4-speed automatic option.

RELATED: 15 Awesome Cars We Wish Ford Motor Company Still Made

1983 Variations

Mercury Capri
via Mecum Auctions

There were many special editions of the Mercury Capri produced. From 1981-1983, the Black Magic was offered, featuring gold striping, gold TRX wheels, and a gold cat's head on the left and ride sight of the valance.

The interior followed suit, with black detailing and black seats. The 1983 Black Magic model is the only year of this kind to have the compound rear window.

Further, the Crimson Cat was offered for the 1983 model year, using bright red paint, gold striping, and performance seating with red inserts.

Performance Specs

Mercury Capri
via Barn Finds

The power and performance specs were considered extremely performance-oriented 30-some odd years ago. The Capri featured 175 horsepower and could go from 0 to 60 miles per hour in just 7.1 seconds, rounding out its performance specs with a standing quarter-mile time of just under 16 seconds.

The Mercury Capri was a rebadged version of the old Fox-body Mustang, transforming what would traditionally be a Mustang into a whole new car with the addition of a "bubble back" window.

Inspiration For A New Generation

Mercury Capri
via Hot Rod Network

If you want to change a 1983 Mercury Capri into a completely new vehicle, then check this out. One of the longest-running platforms on the market is the Fox platform, associated with many models throughout three decades: the 70s, 80s, and 90s.

The most popular vehicle based on this Fox platform was the 79-93 Mustang, although the 79-96 Capri came in a close second.

The Fox-body platform directly correlates to this modification. With the original thought of searching for a Cobra for a modified and refurbished vehicle, this couple ultimately chose the Capri instead - they decided to make a Capri hatch their own retro-themed car.

The bubble hatch is ultimately the feature that set the plan in motion, encouraging this couple to use the unique Capri for their renovation.

With an unusual design, unique architecture, and the infamous bubble hatch design, it is no wonder that so many car aficionados choose the Capri to do restomods and restorations of old vehicles. Despite being most commonly known as just a rebadged Mustang, the Capri shows how new car-owners and technicians can take these unique features and create an interesting, and stylish, vehicle.

NEXT: An Inside Look At The Ultra-Rare Boss 429 Powered Mercury Cougar