Introduced 1958, Ford Motor Company’s Edsel marque was intended to bridge the gap between the Ford and Mercury model lines and keep buyers within the Ford Motor Company fold, progressively leading upmarket to the Lincoln and Continental prestige brands. Launched to great fanfare and optimism, the Edsel was the product of some 9 years of work from concept to production after an amazing amount of market and buyer research had been conducted.Offering a complete model range including multiple trim and equipment levels, the boldly styled Edsel lineup was offered along the Ranger, Pacer, Corsair, and Citation series, plus a separate Station Wagon series in Villager and Bermuda trim levels. Named in tribute to Edsel B. Ford, father of company President Henry Ford II, the Edsel was the product of a massive financial investment and while the Edsel brand was quietly retired in 1960, its development and production would contribute many powertrain features to Ford Motor Company’s future.Today, with the benefit of 20/20 hindsight, legions of enthusiasts and collectors now appreciate the uniquely postmodern styling cues of the 1958-59 Edsel. Now recognized as fundamentally good automobiles, the Edsel’s success was more likely hampered by a painful late-1950s recession following the Suez Crisis and fast-changing buyer tastes, which would also claim Edsel’s archrival, Chrysler’s DeSoto marque, by 1961.This highly attractive 1958 Edsel Ranger 2-Door Sedan is one of only 4,615 produced and marks a nicely presented example from the inaugural Edsel model year. Finished in Powder Blue and White 2-tone paint, which is in very good overall condition, with only some small bubbles noted upon inspection to the left front of the hood. Power is delivered by a well-detailed, Edsel-exclusive ‘E400’ 361 CI V-8 engine, factory-rated at 303 HP and 400 foot-pounds of torque with a 4-barrel carburetor. Correct accessories and components are present to the engine and the surrounding engine compartment, which is well presented in restored and detailed condition. This Edsel’s 2-tone interior is inviting and appears to be in very well-kept original condition throughout with highlights including distinctive patterned upholstery, a properly working Teletouch pushbutton shifter to the steering wheel hub, a unique Rolling Dome speedometer, and factory AM radio.All correct Edsel scripts and emblems are in place inside and out, including the ‘E’ hood ornament. Chrome and bright trim items are in very good condition with a nice shine. A driver’s side chrome mirror is also present. The restored underbody, chassis and suspension are presented in unmodified condition, with the Edsel’s suspension including a front sway bar, self-adjusting manual drum brakes, and power steering. Modern KYB Gas-a-Just shocks and a modern aluminum radiator are desirable updates. The full-length dual exhaust system sounds great and conveys the power of the car’s ‘E400’ V-8 engine. The trunk is well restored, finished and detailed, including a correct rubber floor mat and mounted spare wheel and tire. Steel wheels, correct bright “spinner” hub caps, and 1950s-style Whitewall bias-ply tires finish this Edsel off nicely. Appraised value of $52,000 CAD. Canadian tax is not applicable.
