Although the Edsel initially failed in the automotive market on a scale comparable to New Coke in the soda industry a quarter century later, the brand has been defunct long enough for many of its negatives to have been forgotten. While the once-frowned-upon styling may not have aged as gracefully as some late-fifties sedans, it’s become nostalgic, and many surviving cars are still affordable enough for budget-conscious buyers seeking something unusual for a weekend cruiser. This 1959 Edsel Ranger here on Craigslist has been in storage for decades, and while it needs work, the $2,700 asking price might leave enough in your bank account to cover the necessary repairs. It’s in La Conner, Washington, and we’d like to give a shout-out to reader Curvette for another fine tip here!
Ford had high hopes for the Edsel, but scaled back the lineup almost immediately for the second year, keeping the Corsair and the Ranger, along with the Villager station wagon. All rode on the same Ford-sourced 120-inch platform, with the Corsair serving as the flagship and the Ranger as the less-expansive entry-level offering. The seller says this one has been in a dry barn for the last 57 years, and the climate conditions there seem favorable, as they report the vehicle is not rusty. Most panels also appear straight, with minor damage on the right-side rocker and rear door.
Several exterior photos are provided, but interior views are sparse, since this instrument panel photo is the only direct glimpse we get from the inside. There’s a little wear on the steering column and shifter, but if this view is typical of the rest of the cabin, it’s probably in acceptable shape overall for just a fun driver. The only specifics the seller mentions about the interior are that it’s OK, but the floors are confirmed as solid, so hopefully there won’t be any structural issues here or further down.
Even fewer details are given about the mechanical condition, and there are no photos from under the hood. The Ranger came standard with a 6-cylinder engine, and this one is reported to have a V8, but unfortunately, it’s not currently running. There are no clues as to why, and no word on whether or not the automatic transmission will still shift properly. It’s hard to say how much work it will take to get this one operational, but thankfully, it’s still relatively solid and mostly complete. Is this 1959 Edsel Ranger one you’d be interested in getting back on the road?
Well…not knowing the mechanical condition, its cheap enough to either fix, or part out.
This car looks like an excellent opportunity for a DIYer to build himself an unique interesting cruiser at a reasonable price. An inspection of the under side will determine if the frame is acceptable for a further investment in the rest of the car to make sure it is roadworthy. Especially since the power train and suspension are Ford and parts are readily available.
I had a 59 Ranger when I was stationed at Ft Lewis in the early 70’s. What a tank, handled more like a boat. It was more like a Tug with that 292. All that being said she was dependable and full of good memories. The looks grows on you :)
another 1 little on the info scarce on the pics. sellers just don’t get it. these things are crawling out of the woodwork like termites. sellers figure it time to move these Edsel’s down the road.
Lovely looking car. It’s unforgivable that the Edsel was such a flop for Ford. My favourite is the 1958 model year. That being said, if it runs and drives, I’d be willing to drive it as it is. 🙂
Once Ford softened its lines for this second model year, the Edsel became pretty mainstream-looking I think.
Of course, the damage had already been done and the rest is automotive history.
But I would suggest that especially Pontiac (among others) took the ‘HorseCollar’ grille concept to heart in subsequent years.
Take a look at the front-end of a 1970 Bonneville.
If that doesn’t exhibit some serious Edsel DNA to you, you’re willfully blind.
Did they have those types of wheels before 1969? If not, my guess is that the seller saying that it has been stored in a barn for 57 years doesn’t mean it wasn’t used / driven.
I thought the shifter was in the middle of the steering wheel?
That would be the first-year (1958 model year) “Teletouch” transmission.
I was able to go on the Craigslist ad on the computer screen and view the extra photos. The seats look “okay” maybe from what I could see thru the windows, as did the dash and a very small view of the floor below. This car could clean up well and be a good value, I think. The paint may well be original. The license plate appears to be 1969, last on the road, as stated. The aluminum wheels are not original but not bad. Go for it someone and let us know your experience.
I couldn’t get a closer shot of the license plate, so I Googled the red letters on the dealer frame…RTMYGR “net”ted no results. Maybe Mark Worman knows of it…but then again, it’s not a mopar.