For Sale: 1985 Merkur XR4Ti in Morgantown, Pennsylvania

1985 Merkur XR4Ti Coupe

"The XR4Ti was the German built, turbocharged, four cylinder version of the Ford Sierra XR4i-a futuristically styled, rear wheel drive, sporty coupe. With more power and more refinement than its European-market sibling-which was already a remarkable car itself-the Merkur was the better car. Because Oldsmobile owned the rights to the "Sierra" name in the U.S., (Ciera), Lutz's team would need a workaround. To prevent folks from thinking the new car was "just a Ford" when its targeted competition wore BMW, Audi, and Mercedes badges, Lutz came up with a whole new brand: Merkur." Hagerty.com

For consignment, a 1985 Merkur XR4Ti coupe with a title verified 118,089 miles. This one is packing a twin turbocharged 5.0 liter pushrod V8 that was installed in 2022 and includes a modified cooling system with electric fan and a Holley Terminator-X engine management system.

Due to modifications of the emissions control devices installed by the manufacturer, please check your local, state, and federal laws to determine if this vehicle is applicable for use on public highways in your area.*

Exterior
Resprayed at some point in Silver, this two stage coat now covers the lower panels as well which were typically black from the factory. While the typical front fascia bears a slight resemblance to American Fords at the time, this one is fitted with the Sierra Cosworth front grille and headlights giving a slightly more exotic and aggressive look. Meanwhile the fixed rear windows would look odd on their own, Merkurs came with an epic biplane rear spoiler that made the rear instantly cool and distinct, shared in a different configuration by the stablemate SVO. The latch panel and rear tail lights can be described as Saab-like but the twin chrome tips of the exhaust and added rear splitter take this car to a new level of performance. Ford shows some interchangeability with the 16-inch Turbo Thunderbird wheels and SHO center caps added by our consignor that look fitting. Imperfections include scuffs on the right fender, paint chips on front bumper, some curb rash, chips in original wheel coating painted over, bent or cracked plastic cladding, various chips, rock chips, scratches, touch ups, and chin scrapes.

Interior
The 80's vibe is alive and well on the inside beginning with the simple door panels of molded plastic, patterned cloth inserts, and carpeted storage bins, both in decent shape with the driver's side showing the usual signs of use. Cloth bucket seats display side supports in gray, and the broad seats are in good condition with the rear bench borrowing the combination of patterned inserts and light gray cloth. Up front, the steering wheel is strictly Merkur, logo and all, and it fronts a dash that combines the original instrument cluster with digital additions including the Terminator screen and also A-pillar gauges to monitor the modified drivetrain. The center stack has a temperature and boost gauge over a Sony AM/FM/CD radio in plastic housing that shows a touch of age. The Ford shifter is mounted over the original gateway and low pile gray carpet covers the floor. Above our heads, a sunroof with louvered cover joins a console and gray headliner, while the trunk houses a nitrous bottle and battery box.

Drivetrain
Under the hood, an impressive looking twin turbo setup on a 5.0 liter V8 with polished plenum. It has Holley Terminator X fuel injection and is backed by a Ford AOD 4-speed automatic transmission that sends power to the rear axle and 3.36 gears. The car has A/C that is not hooked up, power steering, and power brakes. There is also a 20 horsepower dry nitrous kit on board installed primarily for cooling air intake temperatures as needed.

Undercarriage
Generally clean underneath with some typical surface rust and we do note some rust spots on the inner rockers and floorboard with plenty of fiberglass patchwork. Dual exhaust travels through a FlowMaster muffler and finds an exit through chrome tips under the rear apron. There are no catalytic converters on the car. Four wheel power disc brakes are on board and lowering springs accompany the independent suspension that includes Macpherson struts in front and coil springs in back.

Drive-Ability
Sounding way more guttural than your typical Merkur, we put this sports coupe into drive and it jumps forward onto the test loop and provides impressive acceleration, great visibility through the vast greenhouse, and solid handling. We note the passenger power mirror, up control on the driver's mirror, reverse lights, and factory speedometer and tachometer not operating. As noted, A/C and heat are not hooked up so not functional. All other operations on board work as they should. While Classic Auto Mall represents that these functions were working at the time of our test drive, we cannot guarantee these functions will be working at the time of your purchase.

This is our first XR4Ti at Classic Auto Mall and it's a unique version of a relatively rare and obscure car. If you've had a soft spot in your heart for Merkurs and wanted a higher performance version of this German American sports touring sedan, your silver ship has just come in!

WF1BP80W4FM631030

W-West Germany
F-Ford Motor Company
1-Passenger Car
B-Manual Belts
P80-XR4Ti Hatchback
W-2.3 Liter Turbo 4 Cylinder
4-Check Digit
F-1985
M-Rheine, West Germany Assy Plant
631030-Sequential Unit Number

Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8 acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person. There is no guarantee of mileage. A $299 Dealer Administrative fee is not included in the advertised price. All prices are before state, city and county tax, tag, title and license fees. Out of state buyers are responsible for all state, county, city taxes and fees, as well as title/registration fees in the state that the vehicle will be registered. Classic Auto Mall is not responsible for errors and omissions. Please verify listings with dealer. Vehicles may require VIN verification and/or safety and emissions inspections to transfer ownership and register the vehicle in the declared state of residence. Please check with your local DMV office to ensure compliance with your states titling and registration process.

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