1.Name John Harrison
2. Location Sandwich, MA
3.Why did you buy your Capri/323 and what do you like best about it?
Just got a 1991 XR2 with 34K miles. Another great car Mercury dealers did not understand or sell. And yes, I once owned a Merkur too. Got the Capri with my son as a fun-to-drive convertible (summer on the Cape!) and maybe something we could do some work on. Its already pretty good, but would just like to get it back to original as practical. My son really liked the design and having something unusual.
4.If money were no object, what would your dream car be?
Good Lord, what a question. So many great cars 1939 Cord, 1963 Avanti, 911, McLaren F1
Easier to get my head around is what would a dream daily driver be? Maybe an Audi R8 Spyder? Boxter?
5.What would you want a Capri to be if they start making it again? (i.e. soft top, retractable hard top, engine, etc.)
Easy. The original concept was sound, if not fully followed through. Ford has the parts to do it now and with little new development. Start with a Ford Fiesta or Focus ST. Both already two great handling FWD cars. Cut the roof off, canvas top OK, but I do like a removable hard top for winter. Add a few more HP and optional RS AWD for those insisting on having powered rear wheels. Get a great stylist to do the body. Done. An alternative would be to take the GM Fiero approach, mount the ST/RS front drive train in the back to create a mid-engine roadster. Perhaps better, but much more engineering work and likely much more expensive. Price does matter.