I've owned quite a few different brand cars over the course of my addiction, but this is the first Mercury I ever owned.

I'm happy with my Cobra, I've been driving the wheels off it. Something I haven't done to a high performace car in years and its damn good. Its not a slouch either, but it also doesn't ask for much attention other that detailing it (actually it kind of scares me that a car so modified doesn't even complain a little). My wrenches are getting sad and since its not setup for the 1/4 mile, my kids can't say I am a race car driver any more.

So a while back I decided I want to build a bucks down street/strip/bracket car with brand loyalty being the last thing on my mind. The 2 top contenders for bang for the buck were a second gen camaro with a small block or a carbed fox body. The fox is smaller, lighter, stands a better chance of being found without rot etc. and 5.0l parts aren't any more expensive than the sbc stuff. I figured I could build a quicker cheaper Fox than I could a Camaro.

An ad went out for a 79-85 Fox (I wanted emissions exemptment) and this 83 Capri turned up and I grabbed it (refer to trailering 101 post). Its an original running 5.0 stick car (has an auto now) but I don't care. I'm not sure exactly what the final plan with it is but for now it will get stripped and chassis/body prepped and painted before I even think about drivetrain. I do know that with the flood of used mustang crap available I will have very little new parts in it. I also plan to build it with more ole fashion elbow grease than credit card swiping.

It should be nice when its done. I know a fox body isn't anything too special but being a Mercury adds a little uniqueness in a sea of Mustangs, so I am happy it popped up. I also don't plan to cobble it together, even though it will be a budget build I don't plan to do shoddy work so it will be presentable, and even more important, more attractive to potential buyers when I am bored with it.

Only stumbling block is the bubbleback. Not a fan

An ASC McLaren rear spoiler will fix that though.

Looks good! Keep us upto date on the progress

A good looking car less the bubble I agree

Will it be stock appearing....will you core love carry over to a modern car?

Its always cool when cars are unsuspectingly quick

Bubble! What wrong with the bubble

It needs a front air dam

We need a Lawrence Welk smiley or a scrubbing bubble one. Don't want to burst your bubble! HeheHe

George castanza called....he wants to meet the bubble boy

Nothing is wrong with the bubble style...

My GRANDMOTHER loves her AMC PACER

Not even close, it will be a complete 180. Big 'ole holley on an alum single plane intake, alum heads, long tube headers. The big and little convo pro's are staying with the largest drag radial that will fit out back.

I'm not really interested in impressing people, just want to go fast for as little $ as possible and that's the recipe.

will there be a need for a cage???

Should be a good bang for the buck, Chris. Those Fox Bodies are pretty much scienced-out. You should have a lot of fun with it.

Mike

Personally, I always thought that the Capri was better looking than the Mustang, especially with the front air damn and I like the bubble and I bet that it is more aero friendly at high speeds.

Funny, my brother went with a '69 Cougar instead of a Mustang and built a mostly street car that he will take to the track once he gets his new overdrive transmission installed.

I guess this purchase and post means that we will not see you racing in SuperCars anytime soon

I look forward to meeting you someday. Good luck with your project.

Chris in 2011 should be in the Demon, FYI when you get to know Chris, you will find out he doesn't keep a car to long.

Ain't that the truth!!

I used to build cars and planned to keep them forever. That turned out to be a joke. Over time I smartened up and now start projects with resale in mind. Not saying I'll cut corners or do otherwise shoddy work, but I'm not about to paint this car panther pink and put an Old's under the hood.*

* No offense to FM3 fans or Good Olds Guys.