This 1988 Merkur XR4Ti Is a Quirky Time Capsule, But Is $10,000 Fair?

S. The car was introduced to North America in 1985, based on the European Sierra, but couldn't use that name because GM had already claimed it for a GMC pickup. Instead, it was sold under the Merkur name, which is German for Mercury.

This example is finished in Rosso Red with gray cloth interior, and the seller claims it has just 47,441 miles. 3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder makes 175 horsepower and 200 pound-feet of torque when paired with the five-speed manual, as automatic versions got lower boost and 30 fewer horsepower.

The car features a monoplane rear spoiler, which replaced the earlier biplane design, and monochromatic bodywork that came later in the model's run.

" Recent maintenance reportedly includes a fresh battery, new suspension components, and spark and fuel system updates. The undercarriage photo suggests the exhaust may have been cut off ahead of the rear suspension.

The XR4Ti was sold for just five years, ending in 1989, with a little over 42,000 units moved, far short of the 18,000-per-year projection, due in part to confusion over the Merkur name and unfavorable exchange rates. The car's cabin looks stock, right down to the factory AM/FM/cassette stereo, and the 15-inch BBS alloys appear in good shape.

The question for buyers is whether this cool but failed experiment is worth the asking price, given its condition and rarity.