LBC Sighting!

Ford Capri StL 160729

Now here’s something different, something rarely seen: a circa 1974-1977 Mercury Capri, observed at Jefferson Barracks last Friday.

And yes, it is an LBC, or more accurately an LGC: German Ford, produced in Cologne, with some English Ford parts IIRC.  Regularly called the “European Mustang” (Mercury’s advertising referred to them as “The first sexy European under $2400”) the cars were sold by Lincoln-Mercury dealers from 1970 to 1977.  And, like a lot of 1970s vehicles, rustproofing was apparently something of an afterthought, so you don’t see many running these days.

This one’s the upscale Ghia version and yes, it would constitute a major project if someone was so inclined.  However, if it has the 2.8L V6 and a manual trans, it’d probably be worth the effort; they had a reputation as fun to drive and I can guarantee you wouldn’t pass too many others on our roads.