Rapido Group was born in 1985 with one clear mission: keep the Merkur alive. Founded by Russ Harness, we quickly became the go-to source for XR4Ti and Scorpio owners across North America. Back when Ford was still selling these cars, we were already building performance upgrades, sourcing rare parts, and proving that these European-inspired machines deserved a serious following.

For nearly forty years we’ve been the backbone of the Merkur community. We stock more replacement, repair, and performance parts for the XR4Ti and Scorpio than anyone else — including Ford dealers back in the day. When Ford obsoleted pieces, we stepped in to fill the gap. We’ve also supported Turbo Thunderbird/Cougar and Mustang SVO owners along the way. This isn’t just a parts business. It’s a legacy.

That legacy is now in new hands. Peter Orlinski grew up obsessed with the Merkur and with Rapido specifically. As a teenager he got his first ride in a Rapido-built XR4Ti, riding shotgun with his dad. That moment stuck with him. Today he owns the company he idolized as a kid. The Orlinski family has taken the torch from Russ and is carrying it forward — same name, same focus, now with fresh energy and a new home in Reno, Nevada.

Whether you’re maintaining a survivor, modifying for the street, or chasing that original performance edge, Rapido Group is still here for your Merkur. The cars may be rare, but the passion never faded. Welcome to the family.