The Merkur XR4Ti Was My Kind of Car (RIP)

I have to admit that the oddball Merkur XR4Ti, which was my type of car and an attempt by Ford to import its European models to the US, failing horribly and probably a contributing factor to Ford’s apparent resistance to ever try importing its quirky European cars to the US ever again. (Via Jalopnik):

Merkur, Ford’s attempt at bringing Ford of Europe cars to an American audience, lasted only four years (1985 to 1989). Despite its short life, it did bring the Merkur XR4Ti to the US. It has everything a weird car lover could want: turbocharged fourbanger (the Lima 2.3 from the Turbobird and SVO), RWD, five-speed manual tranny, an independent-rear suspension and a strange European look. Despite the cool looks and Karmann construction it wasn’t enough to carry Merkur to fruition. Unfortunately, it has the death-touch of Bob Lutz.

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