The demise of Ford Motor Company’s short-lived and ill-fated Edsel brand was not as simple as a controversial grille. Ford (and Chrysler with the DeSoto) learned quickly what it would take decades for GM to deal with: the market will only sustain so many brands when there is a substantial price and content overlap. Factor in a short-lived economic slump and unreasonably high expectations for its new brand, and you have one of the industry’s great cautionary tales. On the other hand, the car was mostly decent, finicky “Teletouch” shift mechanism on the 1958 models aside. If there’s one Edsel you might not even recognize, however, it’s the 1960 model; Edsel introduced it on October 15, 1959, produced 2,946 cars, and then called it quits for good on November 19, 1959. That’s one month of production. The 1960 Edsel Ranger was very similar to a 1960 Ford, but you’re bound to have the only one like it at your local car meet. Barn Finder T.J. spotted this two-door hardtop (one of 295 made) here on Marketplace in Scott City, Missouri, with an asking price of $28,500.
Who knows what Ford was copying when it introduced its 1958 Edsel and its bold vertical grille, but it was obvious that Ford took inspiration from the 1959 Pontiac for the nose of the 1960 Ranger. They were a little more hesitant about it, as it was a one-piece affair and not a true “split grille” like the Pontiac had. If you are going to copy something, however, it’s not a bad idea to copy from the Pontiac that started the “Wide Track” era.
Being a Ford in almost everything but name, the engine compartment will look familiar to anyone who’s seen a 1960 Galaxie. This Ranger had “high-stepping performance” with three engine choices, the top dog being this 300-horsepower “Super Express” 352, which was a $230.80 option. Doing the shifting was the optional “Dual-Power Drive” three-speed automatic, which was the same Cruise-O-Matic you’d find in a Galaxie or a Thunderbird. The seller says that this Ranger has been restored, although I’d say it was done some time ago. Notice the air conditioning compressor; it appears that someone at some point added an aftermarket unit, which will be nice if you’re enjoying your Edsel in those Missouri summers. Also notice the neat “Edsel” windshield washer bag located on the passenger-side firewall, a rare piece for certain.
The seller says that more information and pictures are available upon request, but he does say that the car has new upholstery and new tires, and while the upholstery doesn’t seem to quite match factory illustrations, it’s close enough in spirit. I’d lose the fuzzy dice, personally.
Even when designing a model that lasted one month, Edsel couldn’t completely give up on its vertical motif; these upright taillights and backup lights are the last vestiges of the only thing most people seem to remember of the Edsel brand. That also means that Ford had to stamp a completely different upper quarter panel and tail panel to accommodate them, which is one of those things that makes you realize why Henry Ford II was reticent to approve the new Mustang in April 1964: the Edsel was a staggering money-loser. That doesn’t matter today, because the 1960 Edsel is a nice-looking collector car with rarity on its side. Is it worth $28,500 as a result? Let us know what you think in the comments.
Didn’t see many of these in the Badger, and the ones we did see, we thought were Fords from Canada, hey, known for crazy knockoffs of our treasured makes, although they probably see it differently. It’s tough to explain what was going on in 1960. Not sure why, but seemingly a turning point in car styling, to excess. It’s as if every panel had to have a piece of chrome, and those tail lights were right out of the latest Hollywood sci-fi movie. It really is a beautiful car, and shows how far a car company would go for sales.
This car really taps three of my hot items:
* orphan car
* starliner coupe
* rarity
And, drop dead gorgeous to boot! Nice find TJ and write-up Aaron!
Howards comment brings one thing to mind, was the Edsel offered here in Canada
I like this body style! Though the Edsel was all Ford under the skin in ’60, it was a good effort for a flat-lining make. I was rather surprised though, the Ranger was originally the low man on the Edsel totem pole, but in ’60 it was the only model (except the wagon) and this looks decidedly uplevel. The only thing I’d probably change are those wiry hubcaps, I’d go “wireless” with spinners.