It’s a sad tale that the Mercury Merkur wasn’t the success story Ford had hoped for, and it’s certainly not for lack of high-performance capability. The fact that it was labeled a Mercury could have been a contributing factor, since those dealerships weren’t used to marketing a German-made automobile that was more of a racer than the luxurious cruisers the sales department was accustomed to finding homes for during this period. Only about 50,000 were made during the brief five-year run, with this 1987 model here on eBay seeming to tick many of the right boxes. This one is in Cincinnati, Ohio, with the current bid only up to $2,500, and I’m speculating that number is very likely to climb higher.
Sadly, this appears to be a situation where the owner has passed away, as the seller says he’s listing this one to help settle the estate of a classic car lover. He’s also quick to point out that this isn’t a flawless showpiece but a survivor that still wears its original paint, which is described as gorgeous. It’s also stated to have always been in a garage when not in use, with the body remaining straight and no obvious signs of rust or corrosion visible on any of the panels. The factory wheels are still present, but the tires are reported as very old, so it may be time to invest in a new set before considering any long-distance travel.
Only one engine size was available here in ’87 for the U.S. market, which was a 2.3-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder unit. Horsepower varied depending on which transmission was chosen, and those paired with an automatic received a factory HP rating of 145. Selecting the 5-speed manual increased that number to 175, and thankfully, that’s how this one is equipped. It’s easy to believe when the seller says this Merkur is a blast to drive, and he assures potential buyers it’s been well maintained and runs great.
Inside, things are laid out with the driver in mind, featuring a sporty dash and all the controls within easy reach. The leather seats look comfortable and supportive, with the condition of just about everything in here appearing to be strong. Another great component the seller doesn’t specifically point out is the sunroof, which can either tilt or retract into the roof. This 1987 Mercury Merkur XR4Ti seems to have plenty of positives awaiting the next owner, and it certainly gives the vibes of one that’s been shown love and special care since new. Is this European-styled sports car one you’d have any interest in pursuing?
It’s not a “Mercury Merkur,” it’s just a “Merkur.” Ford attempted to create a separate brand for European cars. Their biggest mistake was trying to sell them through Mercury dealers, who didn’t want them and had absolutely no idea how to sell them. A local dealer gave i good try, but in his radio commercials, he pronounced “Mare-KOOR” so carefully and deliberately that it was obvious he had been coached.