West Des Moines, IA | USA
Description
• 57k Miles Shown • Turbocharged 2.3-Liter Inline-Four • Replacement 5-Speed T5 Manual Gearbox • Red Paint w/Gray Lower-Body Cladding • Gray Cloth Upholstery • 14" Alloy Wheels • Biplane Hatch Spoiler • Sunroof • Heated Front Seats • Power Windows • Ford Sierra-Sourced Clock • Ford Sierra-Sourced Steering Wheel • Spare Parts Needs gas tank replacement. Needs starter and some hose replacements. Engine is good, needs some work before turning over. ...
Our Take:
- Rare Bird of the 80s: The Merkur XR4Ti isn't something you see every day—or any day, really! It was part of Ford's ambitious attempt to introduce a European-flavored performance car to the American market under a new brand. Imported from Germany, it was essentially an American version of the Ford Sierra, which might sound familiar to European car lovers.
- Turbocharged Power: The heart of this beast is a turbocharged 2.3-liter inline-four engine, which, despite needing a bit of TLC now, was a performance powerhouse back in its prime. It delivered a burst of speed and was quite the conversation starter in '86—when turbos were synonymous with cutting-edge engineering.
- Distinctive Styling: Who could forget the XR4Ti's unique biplane hatch spoiler? It didn't just look good; it differentiated the car from anything else on the road. Paired with the red paint and gray cladding, this car was all about making a visual statement, which was pretty bold for a brand trying to make a name for itself.
- Interesting Mix of Parts: The listing mentions Ford Sierra-sourced components like the clock and steering wheel, part of its eclectic European charm. This type of parts sharing wasn't uncommon and gives the car an international flair. Plus, the inclusion of a replacement 5-speed T5 manual gearbox suggests a potential swap for those who truly want to experience driving this machine as it was meant to be—manual transmission enthusiasts, rejoice!
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