Ford’s Merkur brand – intended to lure European luxury vehicle shoppers away from those companies – didn’t quite manage to pull off that feat, and only hung around from 1985-1989. Both the Merkur XR4Ti and Scorpio received strong reviews when they debuted in the states, but car shoppers just didn’t buy them in large enough numbers to keep that division afloat. Regardless, there are still quite a few Merkur models alive and kicking in the U.S., including this 1985 XR4Ti that recently set a new auction record.
We featured this 1985 Merkur XR4Ti when it went up for auction at Bring a Trailer earlier in September, largely because it’s a stellar example of its breed with just 19k miles on the clock. However, few could guess that it would conjure up so much interest that it would ultimately hammer for a cool $31,000 – which just so happens to be the most money any Merkur XR4Ti has raked in at BaT thus far. The second-highest stock example – which had 67k miles on the clock and is quite similar – raked in just $4,600 last May, in fact.
That could be a good sign for those that have been holding on to a nice Merkur XR4Ti with the hopes that it would one day become an appreciating asset, though it could also just be an outlier – only time will tell. Regardless, this is a truly stellar example of the discontinued model, and it remained in the possession of the original owner until 2022. The auction listing noted just a few flaws in its Regency Red Metallic paint, in fact.
Inside, there is some discoloration on the rear center armrest, the headliner, and sunroof shade, plus a split seam on the driver’s seat, but that’s just normal wear and tear for a vehicle of this vintage.
Even the engine bay, housing the turbocharged 2.3L SOHC inline-four cylinder engine, is as clean as a whistle, making for a pretty compelling machine – at least, to the folks that bid it up to a new auction record.
Comments
I had the 1984 Ford Mustang SVO. Same 2.3 liter EFI turbo putting out 14.5 PSI boost with the stock intercooler. Had the bi-plane spoiler, 16″ wheels, 4 wheel discs and the grill-less front hood with a functional hood scoop. Mundane by today’s standards but pretty revolutionary 40 years ago. It was a great, fun car. Sold it with 123K on it and had it for 9 years. Boost didn’t really hit until around 3000 rpm, but when it kicked in, you could get tail happy in a hurry. Wish I still had it today.
I owned an XR4Ti, and while it was a nice and fun car, anyone who would spend $31K on one now is just a fool. They better plan on never selling it, because they will take a big haircut if they ever do.