1986 Other Makes Merkur XR4Ti

Coupe

Turbo 2.3l

Manual

WF1BP80W7GM648664

Clear

Offered here is a 1986 Merkur XR4Ti. The XR4Ti was the United States and Canada-market version of the European Ford Sierra XR4i, sold in North America from 1985 to 1989. (Sales peaked in 1986, by the way.) It was meant to compete against the BMW M3 as a high performance sports coupe. It is, like the BMW, rear-wheel drive. It is powered by a turbocharged Ford Lima 2.3l 4-cylinder SOHC engine. This is the same engine that is in the Thunderbird Turbo Coupe and SVO Mustang of that era, and versions of which (without the turbo) powered Ford Ranger trucks from 1983-2001). The XR4Ti has independent rear suspension, and the one offered here has the Ford T-9 5-speed manual transmission. It has a leather interior, but the front seats currently installed are gray cloth seats from a Mazda. The original front seats will come with the car (they are pretty torn up - heated seats (a feature of this car) are tough on leather upholstry). Yet another pair of gray leather XR4Ti seats in much better condition than the originals will also be included. This car shows 60k miles on the odometer, but it is more likely 160k, as it's a 5-digit odometer. Please keep in mind that it is a 26-year old car. However, it starts easily and runs, goes into gear and drives, but it is not exactly a drivable car. It has issues: 1. It has very weak brakes. However, included with this car are new front calipers, pads, rotors, and brake hoses, as well as new rear drums and shoes, and a new master cylinder. 2. There is a major power steering leak and is thus very hard to steer at low speed. However, included with this car is a used manual steering rack. Or, if you prefer, a second used power rack that might be in better shape - pick one. 3. The radiator is corroded. However, included with this car is a new radiator and a used spare cooling fan (with repainted shroud). 4. The dash has several cracks. However, included with this car is a used gray dash with fewer cracks. A dash cover is also included. 5. One of the side marker lights is cracked. However, included with this car is a new side marker light. 6. There are electrical issues. The battery runs down quickly on storage, so there is some short circuit somewhere and the warning lights on the dash, in typical XR4Ti fashion, light up for no obvious reason. The fuel gauge doesn't work, and the horn is barely audible from a weak ground connection. The battery thus now includes a quick disconnect. 7. The AC doesn't work and the compressor and its associated belt have been removed. The compressor will be included. 8. The radio is disconnected. It's included to fill the hole in the dash. 9. The latch for the rear hatch is broken (again, in typical XR4Ti fashion). 10. The left front tire loses air pretty quickly. Also included with this car (but not installed) are new front struts, new rear shocks, a new clutch cable, a new set of spark plug wires and new air filters. Some additional used parts are also included: 2 spare turbos (from Thunderbird Turbo Coupes) with Turbo Coupe intercoolers (one with an E6SE-9430 exhaust manifold) Spare turbo short block (the one with the turbo oil return boss) with a dual plug Ranger head. It's on an engine stand and the stand is included, too. Spare front grill/facia Original hood (has a dent) Unpainted cast aluminum finned cam cover On the positive sign, the body is pretty straight and there is only a little rust. The pictures tell the story. The car appears to have been repainted (same red color) once upon a time. It does have a new windshield installed. I am not the original owner. I bought the car 6 years ago. It'd be a fun car if I had time to fix it up right, but I don't have time, so, someone else should have all the fun.