The Edsel debuted in 1958 to a lot of fanfare as the 4th brand sold by Ford Motor Co. Besides the issue of whether there was a market for a Ford/Mercury hybrid, timing was bad due to a poor economy in ’58 that impacted industry sales. The Edsel never delivered what Ford was expecting, and the car disappeared early into its third year. This wagon is from 1959 and was called the Villager. It has no engine or transmission, and details and photos are scarce. From a field in Belton, Texas, this roller project is available here on craigslist for $3,850 OBO. Thanks for the tip, Spencer D.
We don’t know what Ford’s breakeven point was on the Edsel, but the 68,400 sold in 1958 had to be way off. So, they regrouped in 1959 with a shorter roster of models and toned down the “horse collar” front end. Sales dropped to 47,400 units in 1959, which included 7,800 Villager wagons (like this one). The seller doesn’t indicate what powertrain came out of this Edsel, but several were offered. While the body here is said to be good, we’re told the floorboards are rusty (no pics). And no title, either. I’d want to see it in person before making an offer.
I could never figure out where the Edsel was supposed to be slotted – above Ford, of course, but loaded up with options they could be more expensive than many Mercury models.
The Edsel didn’t get much love when new and even now it still doesn’t get much. I have always liked the Edsel. That what they call a horse collar grill looks good to me. Sadly for this car I believe it to be a parts car and I believe the price reflects that. GLWTS
not a particular fan of Edsel, but almost all the cars in 58 were horrible designs and totally fugly
I don’t think the Edsels were that much worse than the GM and MOPAR lineups
Well Steve, I think you have a winner in the damned with faint praise category
A picture of the VIN door tag tells everything you need to know…shots of the underside would help also…looks to be in reasonably good shape..
Isn’t the 223 6 engine pretty common and likely available today, and this is a desirable wagon, even if you don’t like the style, so this may be a deal after all. I do like it. I had a 223 in a 1954 F-100 that was decent and easy to work on. Trouble without title though. Owner may obtain title or just a parts car?
Most states will transfer ownership of vehicles over 30-40 years old on a bill of sale after checking to see if it hasn’t been reported stolen etc. Shouldn’t be much of a problem as with newer cars.
I am sure of this. I registered a ’58 GMC with no paperwork whatsoever besides a bill of sale in Connecticut. All I needed to do was fill out a affidavit saying I bought it from the seller. No title is not a deal breaker.