FOMOCO introduced the Edsel to much fanfare (and corporate expense) in 1958. The company gambled on the need for a fourth marque in the market, but the buying public didn’t see it that way. Sales of 68,000 units in 1958 were well below expectations, so the lineup and product individualism were curtailed in 1959. That’s when the seller’s Villager wagon was built, the only version in the mix (with either six or nine-passenger seating). Located in Augusta, West Virginia, we’re told this antique runs though it looks like it’s been outside for some time. This rare wagon is available here on Facebook Marketplace for $9,000.
The styling of the Edsel was toned down in 1959 and looked more like the Ford Galaxie. The infamous horse collar grille was still there, but not nearly as prominent. Three lines of wagons were down to one, the Villager, which saw production of less than 8,000 units, mostly with six-passenger seating like this one. The push-button transmission shifter with the controls in the center of the steering wheel was gone, replaced by a regular column shifter. In a year when most automakers saw an increase in sales, Edsel experienced a 30% drop in demand.
Interest in the Edsel continued to fall, so after building less than 3,000 ‘60 models in the Fall of 1959, FOMOCO gave up the ghost and shut down the Edsel. Market estimates are that the Edsel debacle cost Ford $250-350 million, and that’s in 1960 currency. We’re not provided with any history of this Villager, other than the seller says the motor runs, the transmission shifts, and there are no working brakes. It would have a V8 engine, but which one? The odometer reading is 65,000 miles.
There’s not much left of the brown paint we’re told this wagon carries, and the interior likely matches rather than being white, as the seller says. This wagon will require a full restoration, which might end up putting the next owner in the red. If you were going to fix up an Edsel, a hardtop or convertible might be the most valuable, though the wagon may outrate a sedan. This car has been on the market for three months and is still for sale. Our thanks for the tip, JDC!
The oft-told story of the Edsel is a sad one, and FoMoCo should feel lucky it didn’t bankrupt them. The Edsel dealer in my hometown went out of business halfway through 1958, he didn’t even make it to the introduction of the 1959 models. I don’t see anybody restoring this wagon, but, who knows, maybe there’s an Edsel fanatic out there who would be happy to take this on.
So nice to see a wagon/long roof without a luggage rack on the roof. Too bad it’s an Edsel.
Yep, the government in those days would not have bailed them out. That’s why the manufactures don’t care today that they produce junk that few actually want or desire.
Surprisingly, Hagerty shows a #4 Villager at 13K. Of course, that’s a decent-looking car that runs and drives. The subject car is apparently not at that level, so maybe it’s worth half that 13K to the right buyer. Then there’s shipping.
I agree with Todd, (and Howard would too I assume), that finding a buyer willing to take on an old Edsel wagon could be hard to find. But, back about 5 years ago I sold a crappy ’65 Comet Convertible to a very sharp guy 80 years old who was going to restore it.
The Edsel actually was axed in mid ’59, but the dies were already made for the 60s and they’d already stamped some sheet metal, so the 60s were produced until the stampings ran out. Too bad, the ’59 was “dead car walking” (or running?) yet it was much improved over the ’58. The 1960 Edsel was a 1960 Ford with a different skin.
Please tell me about the rust.
I was a fan of the Edsel before I reached the fourth grade, so this wagon caught my eye instantly. What does it have going for it? For starters, it’s fairly complete. If there is any missing trim I don’t see it, except for the wheelcovers. Overall, the tin worm doesn’t appear to have totally eaten thru from what the photos show so bodywork might be easier than it looks. Fixing the brakes should be a straight forward endeavor, with needed parts readily available. The interior is solid, unless mice have built condos under the seats. I would fix what’s needed and restore this to a showroom finish as the number of these left has dwindled quite a bit, and it would definitely draw a crowd at larger car shows. GLWTA!
Apparently, a stylist thought the ’58 Ford taillight treatment too elegant to abandon.
completely different taillights on the “58 and “59….
Al, you’re the perfect guy to ask: How strong is the Edsel following, and are guys taking on project cars like this to restore? Just wondering if the Edsel crowd is active these days.
Add says it runs and moves under its own power needs brakes clean it up make it safe , brakes, tune up fresh fluids get the mouse house out of the headliner and cruise it as a survivor, hot August nights isn’t far away to show it off
Yes Rex, the Edsel Club is alive and well..we are getting ready for the Edsel Nationals in Portage, Wisconsin July 22-25..As with all antiques, the numbers of members is declining but there are always “new” additions who find the Edsel interesting and want to be a part of the action with shows and meets. Cars and parts are easy to find and relatively inexpensive..a great car and hobby to be involved in.
Thanks Al. I’ve always liked them, and hopefully someday I could find one add to the “collection”.
if it could be made roadworthy and bought cheaper than 9k it could be worth it
And it’s off to the recycle yard. I wouldn’t know any auto rebuilder who would even think of bringing it back to life….
I’ve got a nice 1959 Edsel 6 passenger wagon coming up for sale soon..found on an old military base in Arizona-very little body cancer.. last plated in 1984..running out of room and time here. will be about 1/2 the cost of this one in the article.surfboards and luggage rack are gone!! Running out of space and time…
I really liked the Edsel, especially the 1960. I think the car really got a bad rap. It certainly was no worse than the Chevies and other 1958 cars
I really liked the Edsel, especially the 1960. I think the car really got a bad rap. It certainly was no worse than the Chevies and other 1958 cars
Maybe Kindig will buy it and sink a million bucks into it to make a 50K cruiser.
Iola, 2022.
!958, 1959, 1960….
Restoring this using a ’59 Ford Ranch Wagon or sedan as a donor parts car for the running gear, panels, interior and assorted trim would be a relatively painless process as long as you don’t have to chrome anything.
Done right – and reasonably priced – you would end up with a nice ride that would certainly stand out amongst the sea of trailer queens and trophy hounds.