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?
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