Merkur Scorpio Paint Info
The Color Breakdown
Back in the late 80s, Merkur wasn't afraid to experiment with the palette. With 23 total colors recorded for the Scorpio, they really went for it. You'll see everything from the understated Nautilus Gray Metallic to the more adventurous Mallow Gold Metallic and the deep, moody Biscay Blue Metallic. It's a sophisticated list that proves this car was meant to stand out in the executive parking lot, even if the "Mallow Gold" was a bit of a bold choice for Monday morning meetings.
What to Watch For
Because these cars were German-born, the paint behaves a little differently than your average domestic Ford. The clear coat on the Scorpio is known for being a bit "shy"-it tends to peel or fade, especially on the hood and roof where the sun hits it hardest. Before you start, hunt down your paint code: you'll usually find it on a metal identification plate located under the hood on the radiator support (the "slam panel") or occasionally on the firewall. Keep an eye on the door handles and the edges of the trunk; the paint can get a little soft there over time, making it prone to easy chips.
Driveway Repair Tip
When you're using your touch-up bottle, remember that many of these Scorpio shades-like Antique Bronze Pearl Metallic or Gitane Blue Pearl-are packed with tiny metallic and pearl flakes that love to settle at the bottom. Shake that bottle for a full 60 seconds (set a timer!) to wake up those sparkles. When applying the paint, don't try to fill the whole chip in one go. Think of it like nail polish: two or three thin, whisper-light dabs are much better than one big, gloppy mountain of paint. It requires a little patience, but building the color up slowly will give you a much smoother finish that stays put.