Vehicle Description
Say the name "Edsel" and a lot of folks might start to laugh. But
show them this very slick 1960 Edsel Ranger and perhaps they'll
change their tune. Subtly modified and filled with a storming 5.0
powerplant, it's a cool cruiser for the guy who's brave enough to
be different.
Ford hastily restyled the Edsel for 1960, only to kill it halfway
through the model year. That's really a shame, because this car is
very much in fashion, both then and now. The long, sleek hardtop
styling has a bit of the Ford Galaxie Starliner in it, and the two
share quite a bit of DNA, but up close, everyone will be wondering
what this one is. The pastel green paint is period perfect and only
a car with fins can pull it off, with this Edsel getting extra
points for keeping all its trim intact during the freshening. Paint
quality is pretty good, with the only demerits being a few of the
expected signs of use and age, but there's really no way to avoid
that if it's a car you love driving. The trim was all restored, so
it shines up brilliantly, and it's a good thing it's in such good
shape, because Edsel parts, particularly 1960 Edsel trim parts, are
virtually impossible to find. That strongly suggests this car has
always been clean and intact, and the overall look really backs it
up. And by the way, this car has about the coolest rear end we've
ever seen, have a look!
The interior is subtle, but with bucket seats, a console, and all
the creature comforts, it's a joy to drive. The upholstery looks
very much like what you may have gotten in 1960, with patterned
cloth and pleated stitching, and they've very cleverly installed
the stock wheel on a modern tilt steering column. A Lokar shifter
for the 3-speed automatic transmission has a fitted leather boot
that integrates neatly into the design, and the original gauges are
still in charge of monitoring the engine's vitals. There's also a
period-correct under-dash A/C unit that's very much like what the
dealer might have installed when it was new. The custom console has
a built-in TV and three Rockford-Fosgate speakers in the rear
package shelf, so it sounds awesome without changing the interior
look. And speaking of the trunk, it's not only massive, but it's
neatly finished in black carpets.
The engine is a familiar 5.0 borrowed from a low-mileage 1995 Ford
Mustang, which was re-sealed before being installed in the Ranger.
A few polished aluminum parts, a custom serpentine belt drive
system, and neat wiring make it look at home in the Edsel's engine
bay, and if you look around, you'll see a lot of other upgrades as
well, ranging from power steering to 4-wheel disc brakes. Beautiful
headers tuck in close to the block and Flowmaster mufflers give it
that famous 5.0 sound that everyone loves so much. There's also a
custom front suspension with tubular A-arms and power steering,
while the rear appears to be the original 9-inch. Clean floors, a
lowered stance, and cool 18- and 20-inch Billet Specialties wheels
on 225/40/18 front and 295/40/20 rear tires make this Edsel really
stand out.
With a reported $120,000 wrapped up in the build, this rare Edsel
is a definite stand-out at the next show. And it drives even better
than it looks! Call now!
