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!
A horse collar too!
Better than no air cleaner! Which seems to be way too prevalent these days!
The nice low budget battery good for one year
A Neverstart
Well, if the battery ever dies just lay your Visa card on top and “charge it”.
Didn’t realize the 1974 bumpers were first placed on the fronts of these!
Well they did say they were futuristic
We have a Bermuda in our park in Port Orange, Florida!
Used to live back in Willow Run in Port Orange in the 90’s when NASCAR was on top of the world! On Amelia Island now.
“Bad timing” (?) along with the fact that they were uglier than a mud fence!
At least the seller made some effort getting those manual drum brakes rebuilt. And it’s got a dual MC. With no PS I’m sure it handles like a lumber truck. What does floorpans need welding mean? New florrpans. Martha Stewart has a similar, restored model she uses on her New England property. I cant imagine seeing her driving to the grocery store in an Edsel wagon like this.
Lovely looking car. It’s unforgivable that the Edsel sold so poorly when it did. They had a good idea. I don’t get why the Edsel sold so poorly. I hope whoever buys this classic car enjoys it and takes care of it.
Any Edsel today is rare enough, but an Edsel wagon? How many of them are left? This one is in amazing unrestored condition… It takes some effort to keep a car like this from just fading away….especially after all this time!! You have to have a love for them……
Any Edsel today is rare enough, but an Edsel wagon? How many of them are left? This one is in amazing unrestored condition… It takes some effort to keep a car like this from just fading away….especially after all this time!! Kentucky, though is a good place for a car to not rust away. Edsels…. You have to have a love for them…fun to read about, but not in my bucket list cars.
It is a love them or hate them situation.. I have to agree that any Edsel is rare. This wagon, with some TLC, can make someone a great back up daily driver and local event hobbyest be a top dog.
Those rear tail lights are killer. Sort of a desperate attempt to hide the 57 Ford wagon origins, like Studebaker’s fins and headlight pods but far more successful. They stand on their own,
When I was a kid these looked so sinister, like the 57-59 DeSotos and Dodges did.
This looks like a solid offering
This is probably the ugliest car Ive ever seen! Would I buy it? Hell yes!
I read somewhere once that when this wagon came out, people following the car were confused with the turn signal. The tail lamps look like an arrow. When you signal a left turn, the lamp flashing is “pointing” to the right, and vice-versa.
Many years ago while a buddy and myself were test driving a new Renault 5 (can you say LeCar? I knew you could!) We pulled up to a traffic light (on one of the first very nice spring days. So everyone had their windows down) next to a pink Edsel. I said rather loudly ” There’s something you don’t see every day! A PINK EDSEL! ” And the driver said in a very embarrassed, irritated voice “I do!”
I was born at the end of 1960. I remember these catching crap from a lot of adults. I never disliked them now and over the course of the years I’ve grown to really like them. Primarily the horse collar ones. The end ones were okay but the styling has little appeal to me. I would be happy with any body style horse collar one. Not as much a convertible one. Of any brand. I was a huge convertible fan most of my life but tastes can change. My neighbor has a 2 door horse collar. I don’t know which model. Still original 2 tone green. It certainly isn’t perfect paint but all the original paint is very presentable. He is a mechanic by trade and did a power train swap. A mild 4bbl 390 FE and a 4spd. The car looks completely original. Even down to the wheel covers. I’d love to own it but he simply will not sell it. I won’t be surprised if it gets willed to his son upon his demise.
I think Ford thought they could capture the popularity of the ’59 Pontiac with the redesign of the ’60 Edsel. Nope!
By 1960, they’d already given up. They were just cleaning out the parts bins. I doubt they cared about Pontiac.
Probably. But why not just throw out another Horse Collar design and call it a day. Why would you retool.
Easels never were the contestant at the beauty pageant despite intentions.
I will say this is one nostalgic look that might make it a fun hobby car
Wow. What an ugly car!
It’s kind of funny how a lot of people are in the automobile world and I’m not putting down the Edsel or referring to it, but if some company came out with a car, that was the biggest piece of junk ever made that will last approximately a year and break down and be very difficult to get parts. Many collector would rush just to buy that car, crazy huh?
Sounds like you are really talking about a Yugo!
However, everyone has different tastes and experiences. And when new, that model may be out of their reach price wise or circumstances. So when it becomes available at the right time they want it. I have very fond memories of VW Sciroccos. A MK I was my first new car and I won many autocross, ice races, and did well in Pro-Rally. But they seem to have all rusted away OR are way more than I want to spend. Such is life!