1985 Merkur XR4Ti Turbo

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 exi