Merkur All Models Paint Info
The Color Breakdown
Back in the '80s, Merkur was Ford's attempt to bring German-engineered sophistication to the states, and they kept the palette tight and classy with just 9 recorded colors. They really went for it with names that sound like a European vacation, such as Paris Blue Metallic, Regency Red Metallic, and the iconic Rosso Red. Whether you're rocking the stealthy Nimbus Gray Metallic or the crisp Diamond White, these colors were designed to look fast while parked at a discotheque.
What to Watch For
Since these cars were born in the era when clear coats were still "learning how to behave," you'll likely notice some thinning on the roof and hood. Keep a close eye on the door handles and the edges of that famous "whale tail" spoiler on the XR4Ti-paint tends to give up the ghost there first due to sun exposure. To find your specific color match, pop the hood and look for a stamped metal plate on the radiator support (the metal bar right above the grille). If it's not there, check the driver's side door jamb for a data sticker.
Driveway Repair Tip
Because many Merkur shades like Strato Silver and Azure Blue are heavy on the metallics, your tiny bottle of touch-up paint is basically a snow globe of silver flakes. Give it a serious "James Bond" shake-at least 60 seconds-to wake up those sparkles so they don't all clump at the bottom. When you apply it to a chip, use the "less is more" rule. Dabbing on three paper-thin layers will look a lot smoother than one big "glop" that takes three days to dry. Getting a perfect match on these vintage finishes requires patience, but it's the best way to keep that German classic looking sharp.