Vehicle Description
This stunning example of one of the finest Edsels ever restored
combines those dramatic first-year styling cues, the power and
economy of the overdrive shifting and a top-shelf professional
level restoration. According to the consignor, the first owner of
this car was John Davies, an engineer within the Edsel division. He
specifically ordered this car with the striking color combination
of Jet Black with Ember Red scallop, set off by the eye-catching
white and turquoise all-vinyl interior. This was a combination not
available as a regular production order but being a ranking
engineer within the company gave him leeway to order what he
wanted. It was sold around 1960 to Oscar Auten who was also an
engineer with Ford in the transmission department at the Livonia
plant on the corner of Plymouth and Middlebelt roads. A third
youthful owner acquired the car around 1964, but in 1965 was called
up for service in the U.S. Army. Upon return he had lost interest
in the car and it sat in a garage for over 23 years until it was
rescued.. Again, put in long-term storage in 2010, all of the NOS
parts needed for its restoration were acquired and the Edsel was
treated to a full body-off restoration. The original 361ci OHV V8
engine E-400 engine was completely rebuilt, as was the Holley
four-barrel carburetor and the 3-speed manual Borg Warner T-85
transmission (w/ manual overdrive). The chassis was cleaned and
detailed, all sheet metal stripped and prepared to be repainted in
the original color selection. Proper Boxcalf grain vinyl was
acquired, and the interior was replicated to perfection. When new,
the car had been equipped primarily for performance, no
horsepower-robbing power steering or brakes. The car is fitted with
the Dial-Temp heater-defroster, electric clock, factory tachometer,
original push-button radio, which has been fitted with a concealed
FM upgrade, and back-up lights. Our consignor tells us the car has
only been exhibited near his home and, at national Edsel displays
it is usually presented as exhibit only. This is the perfect car to
take part in AACA type judging and we feel there are many trophies
and awards in the Pacer's future.
