Despite selling automobiles for only 3 model years, Edsel developed a reputation that lasted much longer than the brand did, and unfortunately, many of the memories among old-school gearheads aren’t positive. Bad timing was a factor, as an economic recession loomed, and quality issues undoubtedly contributed to the company’s quick failure. Perhaps the biggest cause was that some consumers just didn’t like its appearance, which Ford hyped as “futuristic”. However, now that the negativity dust has settled, they’re sort of a cool relic in the marketplace nowadays. This 1958 Edsel Villager here on Facebook Marketplace is a running and driving example, with several new parts noted and a few areas that could still use attention. It’s in Benton, Kentucky, with the seller hoping to score $10,000. We’d like to thank reader Zappenduster for sending in the tip on this somewhat rare vintage wagon!
To its credit, the Villager did outlast the other two wagons in the Edsel lineup, soldiering through until the brand collapsed, while the Roundup and Bermuda didn’t make it past their first year of production in 1958. Looking at it now, the horseshoe grille is probably more nostalgic, although many critics deemed it an eyesore in the late fifties. This wagon has some fading and patina, but the body looks fairly strong overall, and it likely wouldn’t require too much effort to prep for a respray.
Although no photo of the third seat is provided, it’s apparently there, as the seller mentions this Villager will hold 9 passengers. The interior is reportedly original, and for a family hauler of this age, it still looks decent for the most part. A few tears are visible in the front seat, and the seller mentions it needs carpeting, plus the floor pan panels need to be welded. A real positive is that the push-button transmission controls on the steering wheel are said to function properly, since these were sometimes problematic in Edsel vehicles.
The only engine available was a 361 cubic-inch V8, but it produced 303 horsepower, which was a very respectable amount back then. The seller says this wagon runs and drives great, and notes that it has new brakes, brake lines, tires, and wheels, with the original hubcaps also included in the sale. Nearly 70 years later, it’s hard to imagine that the entire Edsel era was considered such a colossal failure so quickly. While they are a bit different and quirky, I feel this Villager wagon could be a really nice ride after some cosmetic work and fresh paint. What are your thoughts here?
I don’t think these Edsels look as bad as a lot of other people seem to think, and I’d love to park this in my driveway. I do think, however, that the later generation, with the headlights in the grille, look better.
A new air cleaner!!
And dual master cylinder!