In the automotive world, the name “Edsel” is generally associated with failure thanks to an ill-fated venture of the Ford Motor Company in the late 1950’s. Despite that negative connotation, some models of that marque are highly valued and desired in today’s collector car circles.
The Edsel Division of Ford Motor Company came into being in November 1956, less than a year after Ford became a publicly traded company and no longer owned by members of founder Henry Ford’s family. It was named for Ford’s son Edsel B. Ford, despite reported objections from Edsel’s son Henry Ford II. Company officials claimed that the new car line would reflect exactly what the motoring public wanted in a vehicle, thanks to exhaustive and sophisticated market research and analysis.
While having some distinctive design cues, the Edsel line-up introduced Sept. 4, 1957 for the 1958 model year were very similar in appearance to cars in the Ford and Mercury lines. Many Edsel-unique features—the rotating dome style speedometer, the transmission push button shifting system located in the center of the steering wheel and the airplane-inspired engine warning lights—were not met with great acceptance from potential buyers.
Faced with sales results far below expectations and forecasts for the introductory year, management was forced to make a myriad of changes. That included repositioning the brand to a level between the Ford and Mercury divisions and reducing the number of styles offered for the 1959 model year. Sales still lagged and when the 1960 model year offerings were announced even fewer body styles were in the Edsel line.
Ford Motor Company announced it was ceasing Edsel production in November 1959, with current production for the model year at less than 3,000 units. Edsel had failed to ever come close to breaking even financially, with losses estimated at $350 million (roughly $2.4 billion in today’s money). The failure of Edsel cemented the name to forever be associated with disaster in the U.S. auto industry. Automotive historians have advanced multiple theories as to the cause, and likely many factors contributed to what at that time was a marketing and manufacturing disaster of unparalleled proportion. In addition, the American economy was entering a recession at the time Edsel was introduced. As one automotive historian has said, “it was the wrong car at the wrong time”.
In the six-plus decades that have passed since Ford pulled the plug on Edsel, certain models of the marque have become highly sought after among car collectors. Some of the Edsel innovations such as warning lights in place of gauges were commonplace on vehicles within a few years of the marque’s demise. With very limited production numbers, station wagons and convertibles in original or restored condition attract a lot of attention at shows and often sell well at auction.
This 1960 Edsel Ranger convertible is an excellent example of a nicely restored final-year vehicle. The car has been a part of the present owner’s portfolio for over a decade and is one of the 76 Edsel Ranger convertibles built for 1960, of which an estimated 25 remain today. The only reason this car is being offered for sale at this time is the 1960 Edsel Ranger pilot car (the first one off the assembly line) was recently acquired by the owner.
This Edsel is powered by Ford’s Express V8, a 352 cubic inch four-barrel engine displacing 300 horsepower backed with the Mile-O-Matic column-shifted two-speed automatic transmission. Power options include power steering and power brakes. The car was manufactured October 9, 1959 at the Louisville, KY Ford assembly plant and presents today with the correct Polar White (Code M) livery and red/silver vinyl interior (with matching convertible top boot) as specified by the car’s trim tag. The car was built with the 3.10:1 standard rear axle ratio. The car has been driven sparingly under the present ownership and has treated to a recent fuel system service.
Evergreen Digital Showroom offers this rare 1960 Edsel Ranger convertible for sale at a price of $124,900 USD. Pre-purchase inspection is both welcomed and encouraged. We will gladly make transportation arrangements for this vehicle at buyer’s expense or will work with the shipping company of buyer’s choice. For additional questions or to make an offer on this rare and collectible Edsel call sales manager Steve Russell at 417-532-8000. Additional vehicles offered for sale by Evergreen Digital Showroom can be viewed at our website, www.evergreendigitalshowroom.com.
NOTICE
Because of the number of vehicles we represent we cannot drive every vehicle for long distances. These vehicles have been part of static displays for long periods of time, in some cases for decades, and are subject to the flaws and imperfections consistent with that. While we do our best to disclose all issues we known about a vehicle in our advertising, these are old cars and something that has always worked in the past might not function properly today. Please check the requirements of your state regarding the licensing and registration of classic vehicles and make sure the vehicle you are looking at meets those if applicable. Unless otherwise noted, all vehicles represented by Evergreen Digital Showroom possess a clean (non-branded) title which will be provided the new buyer when purchase funds clear our financial institution. Virtually all our vehicles are sold as mileage exempt due to their age. We do not warranty any vehicle, nor any part of the vehicle including air conditioning systems, brake systems, electrical systems and gauges, fuel systems, accessories or powertrain components.
These are old vehicles and it is very common for them to require certain maintenance and upkeep for them to be operational. In many cases issues with leaks may develop when being driven after a long period of not being used. This is common, as classic cars at some point will leak fluids. For this reason, we do not encourage buyers to attempt driving their purchase home as we cannot guarantee functional reliability of these vehicles. We strongly encourage prospective buyers to be sure they are comfortable with these issues before purchasing a classic car.
Descriptions of vehicles represented by Evergreen Digital Showroom are intended to be informational in nature and do not in any way constitute any sort of warranty, expressed or implied. Again, these vehicles are presented “as-is, where-is” without guarantee or warranty. Vehicles manufactured prior to 1981 will likely not be included in the databases of companies such as CarFax and AutoCheck that provide vehicle history information to consumers. If you have specific questions regarding a vehicle we urge you to contact us at 417-532-8000.
