
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
Collectors' Motorcars and Automobilia Auction|7 October 2019, 13:00 EDT|Philadelphia, Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum
1989 Merkur XR4Ti
VIN. WF1BT80W1KM612957
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.
















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- 6 October 2019, 10:00 - 17:00 EDT
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| ¤ | Without reserve |
| Lot to be sold without reserve. |
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