(pending sale) Merkur XR4ti: RWD turbo oddity

Brett_Murphy · **Joined:** Thu Jan 12, 2012 2:02 pm **Posts:** 355

I bought this to make into a Hoonworthy car and possibly use it as a GRM 2013 Challenge car, but I then decided that I'd rather drive cars than work on them. So, I bought an RX-8 to use as an autocross car this year.

The Merkur is beat. I bought it this way. I've seen it run (the guy who owned it used to deliver pizzas in it) but it broke and he decided to sell it vs. trying to fix it. He's probably smarter than I am, since I bought it from him.

It comes with a spare differential, a Volvo 240 head and an allegedly newer turbo setup for the 2.3 liter Ford Engine. Hey, if this was a Mustang SVO, I'd keep it. But it isn't. There might be more spare parts. I have to clean out the hatch and find out.

Did I mention that it is beat? Luckily, these things were very common in Europe, so parts are still available. It would make a killer LeMons or Chump car. I bet somebody would win the Index of Effluency if they managed to turn a few laps in this thing.

Here are pictures:

http://flic.kr/s/aHsjDvYUk3

$500. It has a clear title.

RodneyWright · **Posted:** Mon Jan 07, 2013 11:50 am

I think using the term "beat" is being kind....

Ryan Holton · **Posted:** Mon Jan 07, 2013 12:55 pm

Thank you sweet Jesus you didn't put this up for sale 6 months ago.

I <8 XR4Ti's

MikeWhitney · **Joined:** Wed Aug 20, 2003 9:15 pm **Posts:** 4724

Why in the world am I tempted by this?

Cash Davidson · **Posted:** Mon Jan 07, 2013 1:17 pm

Must . . . resist . . .

I already have three project vehicles on blocks . . . very tempting, though.

Ryan Holton · **Posted:** Mon Jan 07, 2013 1:27 pm

Some inspiration for a potential buyer

http://jalopnik.com/5544824/merkur-xr4t ... rd-351w-v8

Brett_Murphy · **Joined:** Thu Jan 12, 2012 2:02 pm **Posts:** 355

Rodney,

I find most of the parts for my cars in junkyards. This car isn't as nice as some of the ones I've seen at LKQ, but the audience is slightly different.

- B

clinehall · **Posted:** Mon Jan 07, 2013 9:54 pm

Ryan Holton wrote:

Thank you sweet Jesus you didn't put this up for sale 6 months ago.

I <8 XR4Ti's

You just want an excuse to wear lederhosen

TomFreeman · **Posted:** Mon Jan 07, 2013 10:50 pm

It looks like a family of honey badgers lived in that car. That is impressively ripped to shreds.

Les Davis · **Joined:** Fri Aug 29, 2003 2:04 pm **Posts:** 2059

TomFreeman wrote:

It looks like a family of honey badgers lived in that car. That is impressively ripped to shreds.

LOL

How does anyone look at that car and see temptation in the least, all I see in those pictures is pain and suffering and even more pain... Oh yeah.. Sorry Brett.. GLWTS

Ryan Holton · **Posted:** Tue Jan 08, 2013 9:17 am

Les Davis wrote:

TomFreeman wrote:

It looks like a family of honey badgers lived in that car. That is impressively ripped to shreds.

LOL

How does anyone look at that car and see temptation in the least, all I see in those pictures is pain and suffering and even more pain... Oh yeah.. Sorry Brett.. GLWTS

RobLupella · **Posted:** Wed Jan 09, 2013 12:42 am

I had one of those and have always wanted another one to use as a project car, but I want one that is closer to running. These were actually pretty good cars back then. They had room for 4, were fast and you certainly didn't have to worry about having to distinguish yours from the next one in the lot.

Aaron Buckley · **Posted:** Wed Jan 09, 2013 10:33 am

A guy on the SCCA National scene won a DSP National Championship in one within the last 4 years. It's an oddball, but can be very potent if setup properly. - AB

jeremy gast · **Posted:** Wed Jan 09, 2013 12:07 pm

There used to be one that a guy used in dirt round track many moons ago. If i am not mistaken, factory, these are independent rear suspension also.

RickyBeam · **Posted:** Wed Jan 09, 2013 10:41 pm

Do I smell a future LeMons car?

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(pending sale) Merkur XR4ti: RWD turbo oddity

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