Good morning! For day two of pre-smog week, I’ve got two more Ford products for you. One of them won’t go, and the other won’t stop. But hey, average them out, and you’re doing all right, I guess.
Yesterday’s wagon battle went about as I expected it to go: the big brown Ford won in a landslide. It brought back warm fuzzy memories for a lot of you, and I can relate; it reminds me of my college days, when my friend Big Ed had a powder-blue Torino wagon about this same age. It was our go-to party bus for a year or two, including quite a few trips down from Duluth to Shakopee to the Minnesota Renaissance Festival. Whoever was the most awake at 5 AM would drive down (usually Big Ed) and whoever was most sober at the end of the day would drive back (usually me; I’ve never been a big drinker).
More than one of you pointed out that the Galaxie is actually a ’72, not a ’73 as listed in the ad, and now looking at photos of the two years, I see the difference. Sellers aren’t always right, and usually I catch their mistakes, but I missed this one. Thank you for pointing it out. Oh, and for the record: I still think gassers are cool. I don’t actually want that Hillman in my driveway, but I would love to have a model of it on my shelf. Might have to work on that.
Now, to new business: The best thing you can do when you get a new project car is to get it up and running as soon as possible. The longer you wait to fire the engine, the more likely you are to start tearing stuff apart first, and the more boxes it will be in when you give up and sell it.
The second most important thing to do, however, is to make sure it stops when you hit the brake pedal. One of today’s cars is awaiting that first step; the other is hung up on the second. Let’s check them out.
1952 Lincoln Capri – $3,500
Engine/drivetrain: 317 cubic inch overhead valve V8, four-speed automatic, RWD
Location: Prunedale, CA
Odometer reading: unknown
Operational status: Runs well, goes into gear fine, has no brakes
Ford got a lot of mileage out of the Capri name. It was used on a European Ford coupe, a Fox-body Mustang variant, and an Australian-built roadster. But before all that, the Capri (named for the Italian island, not the pants) started out as Lincoln’s mainstay nameplate, after the Cosmopolitan but before the Premiere.
This first-year Capri is powered by a 317 cubic inch overhead valve “Y-block” V8, finally replacing the legendary flathead. It’s backed by a four-speed Hydra-Matic automatic, sourced from General Motors; Ford didn’t yet have its own automatic transmission up to the task. This Y-block has been rebuilt, and is said to run very well, and the transmission goes into Drive and Reverse just like it should. However, it’s impossible to assess the drivetrain’s condition any further than that, because this car’s brakes are completely out. Don’t worry, though; RockAuto actually has the brake parts for this car.
Somebody has been tinkering with the other parts of this car as well. The seats have been reupholstered, and the rest of the interior looks all right except for a falling headliner. Outside, it’s missing a couple bits of trim, but the seller says they do have all the hubcaps and the rear fender skirts. I have to say, as much as the “rat rod” thing is a bit overplayed these days, this car wears its patina well.
Two rather important things are missing from this car, however: the keys, and the title. The seller hot-wired it to be able to move it around, but a new ignition switch with proper keys is in order. The title isn’t really a big deal on a car this old, it doesn’t sound like; a new title shouldn’t be hard to come by.
1972 Ford Mustang – $4,000
Engine/drivetrain: 302 cubic inch overhead valve V8, three-speed automatic, RWD
Location: Springfield, OR
Odometer reading: unknown
Operational status: Ran when parked, cranks but won’t fire
It’s almost a cliche at this point: the captain of the high-school football team getting fat and slow by the time the ten-year reunion comes around. For the Ford Mustang, it didn’t even take ten years; seven was enough. Longer, wider, and massively heavier than the original Mustang, the 1971-73 models were definitely fat, and with the exception of the Mach 1, comparatively slow. The downsized Mustang II for 1974 was the right move, whatever detractors might think. This car is chonky.
Powering this overweight pony is a 302 V8 with a four-barrel carb and an automatic transmission. It’s a good classic Mustang combination, and even if it doesn’t throw you back in your seat, at least it makes the right noises. Or, rather, it would, if it would start. The seller was told this car ran when it was parked, but that was eight years ago, if the registration is correct. It will turn over fine on the starter, but has no spark. Luckily, ignition parts are cheap and easy on a car this old; replace everything, and see if it fires off.
The mechanical parts are easy; the tough part of this car is going to be the body. It has a lot of peeling paint, a lot of surface rust, and the seller says it has some holes in the floor pans. It’s filthy, which makes it hard to tell exactly what condition the sheetmetal is really in; a good wash is the place to start, I think. That wonky front fender has me concerned; I hope it doesn’t indicate more significant rust damage in the front.
Inside, things are a bit better. The vinyl upholstery isn’t in great shape, but it’s intact. Hopefully it has been parked in that carport all this time, to keep it out of the weather. Old window seals leak, and as you may have heard, we get a little bit of rain in this part of the world. You can tell by the smell when you open the door if a car has been parked outside.
I know some of you aren’t crazy about project cars, but just humor me for today. Tomorrow’s cars are already picked, and you’ll be happy to know they both run and drive. For now, though, your choice is between a big old Lincoln and a fat Mustang.
(Image credits: Craigslist sellers)
The Lincoln’s valve cover is a work of art.
Capri wins this one.
And that era mustang had one of the best- the 1971 Boss 351!
and the Boss 429 was still an option in 1971, so yeah. But if given the choice would you take a torqueless Boss 302 from 1970 over the rare but faster 1971 Boss 351. That would be a tough call as both are extremely rare, but the 1970 boy is more desirable to the masses.
Years back I got to experience through an old friend who is a hardcore ford nut his Boss 302 and 351 Mustangs. The 302 once rolling is quite quick. The 351 is more tractable bc of the extra torque. They are both rev monsters. Of the two, id rather have the 302. My choice of his collection is his 429 SCJ Torino which is fast, cof or table and rare as well. He also has a Pantera, and a Cobra replica. I am wayyyy to tall to drive the Pantera. The Cobra has a very built aluminum headed big block ford, with 5 spd and is terrifying. It is also loud, hot and uncomfortable. Fun in very short doses. It wears you out pretty quickly.
I know the 71-73 Mustangs are considered a Chonkasaurus, but what surprised even me is that they’re exactly the same length as the 69-70 cars.
Between these two I’d have to get the Lincoln beause it has so much character, and I’m impressed you can still get parts for a 72-year-old car at RockAuto.
and weigh within 100 lbs of them as well usually. Same with say a Newer Shelby 500 with over 700 hp and the Hellcat Challengers. The Challenger looks physically bigger, which it is in most measurements, but they end up tipping the scales within a hundred lbs or so of each other. that is a side effect of having to build up some things to survive that onslaught.
That Lincoln just shows a lot of promise, and considering its race history, probly worth the time, money, and aggravation.
I’ll do the Mustang, mostly because I think it would probably be an easier road to restoration, and I don’t mind the fat ‘stang that much
I’d rather fix brakes than dive down the rust hole on a unibody car, so Capri for me!
https://images.app.goo.gl/uJGz2jLr6sEQgJC4A
No patina on this runner.
I immediately thought Lincoln as it is a better thing when cleaned up, but then I have always kind of wanted to get a Notch back 71-73 Moustang and use a Mach 1 hood and a Monza kit to make a Pursuit special with the huge fuel tanks where the trunk is, and I don’t or wouldn’t want to cut up a Fast back version of these. SO if I am going to get into another project, I guess one I actually am kind of interested in would make more sense.
Going full Max Rockatansky – I can’t argue with it.
That Lincoln is the better bad choice here.
I don’t get all people who find the 71-73 Mustang ugly. I mean i get that it got heavier and slower, but from a looks standpoint, there are a lot of similarities with the Aussie Falcons of the early-mid 70s, and most Ford muscle fans lust after those. Seems like more of “OMG!!! It changed therefore it is ugly!!!” sentiment.
That said, the general dislike of these makes them a relative bargain and you should be able to find a much better candidate for not a lot more money. Especially for a 302 non-fastback/non-convertible.
They were not ugly really, the First gen was fairly boring and ugly in my opinion, but like assholes as they say, everyone has one. Certainly everything was slowing down thanks to the EPA in 71, but you could certainly do worse than Boss 351 or even a Boss 429 71. Event he Basic 4 Barrel headed 351 in 71-73 was not all that bad compared to others. the FMX trans was kind of weird, but held together for the most part and they started getting Highway gears instead of stop light warrior gears. but by 1973, who did not.
BZW: The Capri name was used twice in Europe. First at the Ford Consul Capri in 1962 and later on the more known Ford Capri “sports” coupé.
I saw one of those consul capris in the US a few months ago. it was in a grocery store parking lot, and my dad and I spent about 2 hours trying to figure out what it was, based on the 2-3 pictures I got when I wandered by.
I went against the grain and voted Mustang. Throw some “Start ya Bastard” in the carb to set why It is not firing. With parts being cheap you can make this a nice drive quality. Once sorted you can go nuts if you want. Sand off rust, add primer, cheap MAACO “look got at 10 feet” paint job.
That door-to-fender panel gap on the Mustang looks factory correct to me. Wonder if it comes with a Marti report?
Couldn’t choose. Thanks Mark.
No to the Capri. It looks like it probably has the ghost of Don Knotts living in it.
The Rustang? Well it’s a genuine pie of shit as well.
Well done Mark, two turds with little redeeming qualities.
Can smell em both thru my screen….
That Capri looks pretty cool! I hate drum brakes, just did them on the Cherokee. But since it has no brakes at all maybe it’s just the master cylinder or lines?
Booster would be under the driver and they are always a real paint to work on, most likely the guys started a conversion to discs and an underhood master cylinder set up and ran out of money or interest, or both.
Not a Mach 1, so it’s nope to the mustang and yes to what might be the start of a nifty hot-rod Lincoln.
Also, I can look at the pictures of the Mustang interior and recall precisely the slight musty smell of neglected nylon carpet and the tang of 1970’s vinyl and plastic that was characteristic of that era of Fords and other cars… All mixed with the faint aroma of dust encapsulated with oil film and leaded gas fumes. I think I’ll pass.
Sadly the interior on this one is actually pretty decent for a 50 year old pony car.
The Lincoln Capri is in better shape and has 4 doors and is cooler, so I chose that one.
Too bad it wasn’t a 70s Capri. Those are fucking awesome! I’d love an Mk2 Capri (we got it from 76-78)
My first car was a ‘76 Capri, V6 4 speed. I loved that car.
But even without having owned it, I’d still pick the Lincoln over the Mustang every time. There’s potential in the Lincoln to become something pretty cool. You could restore that Mustang to factory original condition and people would still say “meh”.
1985 Capri is the one to lust after with a well sorted 302 with decent heads from the factory.
LOL the Fox Capri is stupid. Too bad they couldn’t just make the Euro Capri here if importing it was too expensive 🙁
Maybe it’s possible to fit a 302 in the German Capri, or better yet, a Godzilla 😉
Also, I like the 90s Australian Capri more than I should.
Perana did exactly that with Capris in South Africa.
3.0 sixes as well. but by that time we were mostly past the performance phase, though I think the Maverick and Comet fit the US market better with 6’s and v8 options.
I saw a v6 perana at my local garage a couple of years back and was very excited cos they’re even rarer than the V8s IIRC. I was very jealous.
The 1985 Fox Capri had really good engine, the styling was subdued. But man those could be made into missiles. the Euro Capri’s before that were perhaps a bit more attractive to some, but they were boring to drive.
Ugh. I’ve never been able to get into that era Mustang. Some people can, and more power, but jesus they’re ugly.
Besides, I’ve already got an old Mustang that needs bodywork
I’ll take the Capri. That Mustang is the least desired body style for one of the least desired generations. Combine that with the visible problems and the presumed invisible rust issues, it’s an easy choice.
the notch backs like this do not have the same visibility problems that the fast backs do, plus you can buy rear view cameras for fairly low money these days, they even mount to the license plate holes so even mechanically challenged folks should be able to install one.
I believe they meant the rust that you can see and the problems that are visible, not issues with seeing out of the Mustang.
I much prefer the style of the Capri to that of the Mustang. Neither will be a corner-carver, but, to my eye, the 52 carries its size & weight better than the Bloatstang does.
common term, but I would bet money the 3200 lb Mousetang weighs far less than the Capri and the Similarly optioned V8 mustang from 1970 is 3120 pounds, so the bloat is not quite what people like to think
Well, I wouldn’t have thought the Capri would be 1000lbs more, but it seems to be somewhere around there. Still, I find it more pleasant to my eye—I rather like the shoebox form. And I have an unreasonable prejudice against that gen of Mustang based on my experiences with a sole example
Gotta go Lincoln on this one. Looks complete enough although that fender and door rust are concerning. Wouldn’t sweat originality or the missing trim too much at this point. Patch it up and a respray, then cruise and have fun.
I’d rather sort out the ignition switch and title than deal with that Mustang. Even it were all fixed up, you’d still have to look at it and it’s NOT worth looking at. Capri wins this one for me.
Capri if i have to. Perhaps instead of spending money on either of those maybe something from this?
https://www.saabnet.com/tsn/class/900-93.html
Not a fan of the Clydesdale Mustangs, and that one has some bad secrets underneath. Put some stop-o-laters on that Lincoln and deal with that headliner, and roll out!
No to the Mustank. A cautious thumbs up for the Capri.