Vehicle Description
It was once referred to as The Car of the Future - a big burden for
any car model to shoulder. The Edsel represents a very unique
chapter in automotive history. Named after Henry Ford's son, the
nameplate was one of the first to lean heavily on automotive
research to shape a finished product. While overly lofty
expectations and a bit of revisionist history might lead you to
believe otherwise, the Edsel made a serious impact in its heyday -
its initial launch was the second biggest in history at the time
and, as this 1959 Edsel Ranger illustrates, the work was quality
both inside and out.
You don't often see Edsels like this Ranger on the road, but when
you do, their overall uniqueness will strike you right away. While
they sit on a Ford chassis shared with a couple of other models,
the split grille up front separating its four oblong headlights, as
well as the distinctive hood bearing its prominent ornament, look
nothing like those of any other model in the Ford stable. This '59
has had the unusual good fortune of having logged under 77,000
miles and it not only carries its original colors both inside and
out, but still wears what is likely its original paint. Featuring a
mist green foundation with white encircling the cabin and accenting
the sides, it still presents pretty darned well. The overall
exterior alignment on this classic is a testament to just how
sturdy a product Edsel made - take a lap around and you'll notice
that the lines are very solid, with tight even gaps surrounding the
body panels, and no frame sagging to be found.
The interior remains in its original configuration and, bearing in
mind that this '59 has yet to venture into a restoration shop, is
in impressively clean condition. The original components, including
the carpet, seats, headliner and door panels, may show some
evidence of use, but they've really come through the years in solid
fashion. The bench seating - featuring vinyl covers with cloth
accents - is still well-padded and comfortable and the windows on
both sides roll up and down with no issues at all. The sizable
factory steering wheel still sits on the column, and just beyond it
the dash area is a definite high point. It's got a thoroughly
futuristic design that must have really been quite a departure from
the norm when this Edsel rolled out, with the speedometer presiding
over a pair of oval shaped additional displays just below, chrome
accents at its corners and a surprisingly fresh looking dash pad
over the top. You're not likely to run out of luggage space here -
the trunk borders on cavernous.
This rarely seen classic is a strong driver. What's almost
certainly the original 223 cubic inch inline 6 motor sits in a very
nicely detailed compartment with its factory Holley carb sitting
underneath a compact air cleaner painted to match the adjacent
valve cover. Some time obviously went into getting this engine bay
looking its best - the powerplant is surrounded by freshly painted
inner fenders and fire wall and both the hoses and wiring look to
have been recently replaced. Having benefitted from unusually light
usage over the years, the 6 cylinder is in good form, starting up
promptly and running solidly as it teams with a period correct
"three on the tree" transmission. This very fashionable cruiser
makes quite an impression as it passes by on its set of 14" stock
wheels outfitted with Coker Classic whitewalls for just the right
vintage look.
This 1959 Edsel Ranger offers a chance to get behind a truly unique
classic that's running strong and looking great. Call today!
