For an offering that was considered a colossal failure at the time, the Edsel is one of those cars that’s a lot easier to appreciate now than when it was introduced back in the late fifties, with the Ranger representing the entry-level status of Ford’s new but short-lived division. For the 1958 model, Ranger output reached less than 21,000 units, so this first-year example here on Craigslist is sort of a rarity in its own right. This one’s said to have been around the Washington state area its entire life, and is currently located in Spokane. With an asking price of just $3,800, this could be an affordable and worthwhile project for an Edsel enthusiast, and our thanks go out to reader Curvette for bringing it to our attention!
It seems one of the primary objectives for the Edsel was to provide a distinct and modern appearance outside, but the inaugural grille was instead deemed the horse collar, based on its shape. While the front-end may have been thought of as unattractive at the time, I find myself appreciating the unusual appearance nowadays, with my gut telling me that these cars likely get plenty of attention at auto gatherings. The seller says that a little rust is developing near the bottom of the fenders, but states the rest of the metal is solid, so this one’s probably got decent bones overall to work with.
The interior is described as intact and presentable, and although much of it will need some sort of attention, there are a couple of interesting components inside to take note of. First, the transmission controls are located in the center of the steering wheel, with the trade name of Teletouch sounding pretty futuristic here for the late fifties. Second, the flying saucer-shaped spinning speedometer is another fun feature, with the numbers going up to 120. Hopefully, both of these will still eventually operate properly without too much attention.
The seller shares with us that the 361 V8 engine currently does not run, and hasn’t for more than 10 years. There is no explanation or clues provided as to why, so a rebuild may be needed as part of this project. To have been so ill-fated for the period, I think the Edsel offerings seem a lot cooler and considerably more desirable now, so I hope someone will appreciate this 1958 Ranger enough to give it a proper restoration. Is this a car you’d be interested in getting back on the road?
Rust doesn’t look that bad on this one. It doesn’t look like a hateful restoration. You certainly won’t see another one at the local car show or cars & Coffee.
I never quite understood where the Edsel was supposed to fit in. Between Ford and Mercury? Was it a challenger to Pontiac? With all of the different models it went from a six cyl. with 3 speed stick up to a fully loaded 430 V-8 with auto. Was Mercury to be like a Buick? Maybe that’s why they didn’t sell?
. It seems like a lot of well preserved cars come out of Washington state.
This one looks like a solid restoration project and you won’t see yourself coming the other way.
Edsel offered the 410 MEL V8, but never the 430.
The 430 was in the Mercury line….
Along with Lincolns and the 1958 – 1960 Thunderbird.
Get it mechanically up to snuff drive it. No one but car guys will know what it is.
They were introduced around the time I was born, and I’ve always had a thing for them.
I actually love the “horse collar grille,” and personally, I think that for a late 1950s design, they are fairly restrained. Look at the Mercurys and Lincolns of the same years, or anything by Chrysler or the Packarbakers.
Aimed at the Buick/Oldsmobile space, they had a terrible launch into a very deep recession, and some quality glitches related to a poor business plan for assembly.
These cars make great hotrods with big fat tyres under the rear.
I’m firmly convinced that the Pacific Northwest is Mecca for well preserved old cars. I’m sure seeing a ton of ads for them here in BF and elsewhere lately. As to the Edsel, I am pretty sure that most of the designers and engineers who developed it have passed on to their eternal reward. Much maligned when new; it seems to slowly becoming a bit of a cult thing in the hobby these days. Hopefully, these guys can now bask in the heavenly glow of the modicum of love that Edsels seem to be now receiving. I always felt that the Edsel failed mostly because it just seemed to try too hard to be different; I.e. the grill. And it was a vehicle trying to fill a niche in the market that was not there. If you were a Blue Oval fan back then and wanted something more upscale than a Ford; Mercury was your huckleberry. As someone who has a predilection for oddball and orphan automobiles; I would actually like to take a tumble on this old Ranger but unfortunate reality dictates otherwise. Too far away and too old for projects. Three thousand miles and twenty years younger and me and this Edsel would be a thing. And getting more attention at C&C than the more commonplace collector cars. GLWTS.