Skip to main content

LOT 347 ¤

1989 Merkur XR4Ti VIN. WF1BT80W1KM612957

Sold for US$2,240 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve
Lot 347¤

Offered from the Jack Middleton Collection
1989 Merkur XR4Ti

1989 Merkur XR4Ti
VIN. WF1BT80W1KM612957


2,301cc OHC Turbocharged 4-Cylinder Engine
Fuel Injection
145bhp
3-Speed Automatic Transmission
4-Wheel Independent Suspension
Front Disc with Drum Rear Brakes

*Extremely well-preserved example
*The final model year of the XR4Ti
*Clean CARFAX
*Attractive Blue/Grey color scheme


THE MERKUR XR4TI

Ford, looking to both move upmarket and expand their offerings, introduced the Merkur sub-brand in 1985. Pulling from their European offerings, the Merkur had done away with the OHC V6, and in its place, was the 2.3-liter turbo 4-clyinder from the Thunderbird. Built in the Genk Body & Assembly Plant in Belgium, the unconventional hatchback body style further differentiated the vehicle from its more standard saloon rivals from BMW and Mercedes. Despite its advanced aerodynamic design and peppy motor, the model failed to fully grab the attention of the American buying public. Sales were sluggish and with new safety regulations on the horizon, Ford ceased to sell the Merkur at the end of the 1980s.

THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

This XR4Ti was bought off the lot in 1989 after having served as the dealer demonstrator. Being the final production year, keen eyes will spot a number of changes compared to the earlier model years. Gone was the bi-plane spoiler; In its place, was a simpler single level wing on the decklid. With this change, the rear glass was made larger and BBS-style cast wire-spoke wheels became the new standard. Now, with just over 60,000 miles on the odometer, this Blue/Grey XR4Ti is offered in splendid condition. The car has been very well taken care of and is free from any major blemishes or flaws. The car has attended many events where it has won awards for its quality. As one would expect, the car comes with a clean CARFAX free from any accident reports or mileage discrepancies. This is truly one of the best examples of this defunct brands attempt at cracking into the North American market. They have developed a cult following over the years and will continue to be an automotive oddity well into the future.

Additional information

Own a similar item?

Submit your item online for a free auction estimate.

How to sell

Looking for a similar item?

Our Cars specialists can help you find a similar item at an auction or via a private sale.

Find your local specialist

Specialist section

Auction Viewings

  • 6 October 2019, 10:00 - 17:00 EDT

Lot symbols

¤Without reserve
Lot to be sold without reserve.

Bid now on these items

Triumph T90 Racer
United Kingdom
Coming soon

Triumph T90 Racer

£1,500 - £3,000
1954 Moto Guzzi 250 Airone Sport
United Kingdom
Coming soon

1954 Moto Guzzi 250 Airone Sport

£2,000 - £3,000
1978 Moto Guzzi Le Mans MkI
United Kingdom
Coming soon

1978 Moto Guzzi Le Mans MkI

£1,500 - £2,500
c.1970 Moto Guzzi 850GT
United Kingdom
Coming soon

c.1970 Moto Guzzi 850GT

£1,500 - £2,000
1993 Triumph Speed Triple 995i,
United Kingdom
Coming soon

1993 Triumph Speed Triple 995i,

£1,600 - £2,400
1969, Norton Commando 750 Fastback Project
United Kingdom
Coming soon

1969, Norton Commando 750 Fastback Project

£1,500 - £2,000
1976 Honda 72cc ST70 Dax
United Kingdom
Coming soon

1976 Honda 72cc ST70 Dax

£1,200 - £2,000
1972 Yamaha XS650
United Kingdom
Coming soon

1972 Yamaha XS650

£1,200 - £1,500
c.1970 Honda CB450 DOHC
United Kingdom
Coming soon

c.1970 Honda CB450 DOHC

£1,500 - £2,500
1982 Yamaha XS650
United Kingdom
Coming soon

1982 Yamaha XS650

£1,800 - £2,400
1952 Moto Guzzi 250 Airone Sport
United Kingdom
Coming soon

1952 Moto Guzzi 250 Airone Sport

£2,000 - £3,000
1969 Moto Guzzi V7 Special
United Kingdom
Coming soon

1969 Moto Guzzi V7 Special

£1,500 - £2,000
c.1980 Honda 49cc 'CR110 Replica' Racing Motorcycle
United Kingdom
Coming soon

c.1980 Honda 49cc 'CR110 Replica' Racing Motorcycle

£2,000 - £3,000
1978 Yamaha XS650 Special
United Kingdom
Coming soon

1978 Yamaha XS650 Special

£1,800 - £2,400
1980 Moto Guzzi 850 Le Mans MkII,
United Kingdom
Coming soon

1980 Moto Guzzi 850 Le Mans MkII,

£2,000 - £3,000
c.1965 Yamaha 305 YM1
United Kingdom
Coming soon

c.1965 Yamaha 305 YM1

£1,800 - £2,400
1972 Ducati 350 Mk3
United Kingdom
Coming soon

1972 Ducati 350 Mk3

£2,000 - £5,000
1976 Moto Guzzi Le Mans MkI
United Kingdom
Coming soon

1976 Moto Guzzi Le Mans MkI

£2,000 - £3,000
1966 Honda CB450 'Black Bomber'
United Kingdom
Coming soon

1966 Honda CB450 'Black Bomber'

£2,000 - £4,000
A rare Elliott Brothers double speedometer/odometer,
United Kingdom

A rare Elliott Brothers double speedometer/odometer,

£2,000 - £3,000
A wicker-cased picnic set for four persons by G.W.Scott & Sons, circa 1905,
United Kingdom

A wicker-cased picnic set for four persons by G.W.Scott & Sons, circa 1905,

£1,800 - £2,400
A Victorian pedal car, circa 1900,
United Kingdom

A Victorian pedal car, circa 1900,

£1,800 - £2,400
A Tricycle Velocipede, 1870s, originally housed in the Estate of Osbourne House, 1870s-1901,
United Kingdom

A Tricycle Velocipede, 1870s, originally housed in the Estate of Osbourne House, 1870s-1901,

£2,000 - £3,000
A 'The Parade No 1' safety bicycle, by Pullinger & Co, New Cross, London, 1890,
United Kingdom

A 'The Parade No 1' safety bicycle, by Pullinger & Co, New Cross, London, 1890,

£1,500 - £2,000