Because Subarus all the time gets boring...

[RallyCat]

There are only two models of car that I have every purchased two of. I've owned two Imprezas, although they were very different cars. One was a 2003 TS Wagon and the other a 1995 L Sedan. But this is the first time I've owned two identical models - let alone at the same time.

So, meet the latest addition to the Chevalier garage. A completely original, 28,512 mile old 1985 Merkur XR4TI. A perfect complement to my 85 XR4TI Group 5 Rally Car.

 

[RallyCat]

 

[RallyCat]

 

[RallyCat]

 

[RallyCat]

 

[RallyCat]

 

[IBratmanI]

Wow, that thing looks mint, and very clean. I still see some sort of Merkur pretty often around here.

 

[HR radness]

Tim, how did you build a time machine that took you back to 1985 so you could buy it off the showroom floor?

Helloooooo Mcfly!!!

 

[RallyCat]

Wow, that thing looks mint, and very clean. I still see some sort of Merkur pretty often around here.

"Mint" isn't quite the right word - "Pristine" or "showroom" would be more accurate.

It was part of a private collection here in Mass that was auctioned off a few months ago after the owner passed away. The collection included 22 different motorcycles (some of which were pretty rare to see in the states) and 16 cars - including 3 XR4TIs, a Callaway Camaro race car, 4 BMWs (3 5 series and a 3 series), a 79 Porsche 911SC, an 79 Benz 6.9 and a 74 Jensen Interceptor. Given the condition of the undercarriage on this thing, I don't think it has seen a rainy day, let alone snow or salt, and has been stored in a garage its entire life. The only real issue is that it has been in storage since 1994, so everything needs to be gone through to freshen it up properly.

I'll try to post up some pictures of the undercarriage later.

Tim

 

[RallyCat]

Tim, how did you build a time machine that took you back to 1985 so you could buy it off the showroom floor?

Helloooooo Mcfly!!!

It would have been ironic if there had been a Delorean in the collection.

Besides, there was no way I could afford this car back then - the original sticker on these beasts was just shy of $20,000 - which was BIG money for a Ford product back then.

 

[K3rn]

wow just wow ive only ever seen one of these and its sitting in a junk yard next to an impulse and a le mans

 

[HR radness]

It would have been ironic if there had been a Delorean in the collection.

Besides, there was no way I could afford this car back then - the original sticker on these beasts was just shy of $20,000 - which was BIG money for a Ford product back then.

Neither could I! always drooled over one. Just wished I had built the time machine before u did

 

[jimiii51]

I had two of these in high school and they were a blast to drive. I still have classmates that remember them from 16+ years ago. My high school girlfriend drove a Merkur Scorpio. I hate Ford's after 1934 but I loved these German Fords.

 

[RallyCat]

And a few shots of the undercarriage... Working on this car is a real pleasure. Even though it is 26+ years old, I have yet to find a bolt or connection on this car that would not come apart easily and without fighting me. Even the sticky rear drum brake came apart easily for me this morning.

 

[IBratmanI]

Damn that's nice

 

[i-wagon]

Looks better underneath than my impreza

 

[K3rn]

looks better underneath then my brand new shoes damn sexy