1959 Edsel Ranger

Description

It was once referred to as The Car of the Future - a big burden for any car model to shoulder. The Edsel represents a very unique chapter in automotive history. Named after Henry Ford's son, the nameplate was one of the first to lean heavily on automotive research to shape a finished product. While overly lofty expectations and a bit of revisionist history might lead you to believe otherwise, the Edsel made a serious impact in its heyday - its initial launch was the second biggest in history at the time and, as this 1959 Edsel Ranger illustrates, the work was quality both inside and out.

You don't often see Edsels like this Ranger on the road, but when you do, their overall uniqueness will strike you right away. While they sit on a Ford chassis shared with a couple of other models, the split grille up front separating its four oblong headlights, as well as the distinctive hood bearing its prominent ornament, look nothing like those of any other model in the Ford stable. This '59 has had the unusual good fortune of having logged under 77,000 miles and it not only carries its original colors both inside and out, but still wears what is likely its original paint. Featuring a mist green foundation with white encircling the cabin and accenting the sides, it still presents pretty darned well. The overall exterior alignment on this classic is a testament to just how sturdy a product Edsel made - take a lap around and you'll notice that the lines are very solid, with tight even gaps surrounding the body panels, and no frame sagging to be found.

The interior remains in its original configuration and, bearing in mind that this '59 has yet to venture into a restoration shop, is in impressively clean condition. The original components, including the carpet, seats, headliner and door panels, may show some evidence of use, but they've really come through the years in solid fashion. The bench seating - featuring vinyl covers with cloth accents - is still well-padded and comfortable and the windows on both sides roll up and down with no issues at all. The sizable factory steering wheel still sits on the column, and just beyond it the dash area is a definite high point. It's got a thoroughly futuristic design that must have really been quite a departure from the norm when this Edsel rolled out, with the speedometer presiding over a pair of oval shaped additional displays just below, chrome accents at its corners and a surprisingly fresh looking dash pad over the top. You're not likely to run out of luggage space here - the trunk borders on cavernous.

This rarely seen classic is a strong driver. What's almost certainly the original 223 cubic inch inline 6 motor sits in a very nicely detailed compartment with its factory Holley carb sitting underneath a compact air cleaner painted to match the adjacent valve cover. Some time obviously went into getting this engine bay looking its best - the powerplant is surrounded by freshly painted inner fenders and fire wall and both the hoses and wiring look to have been recently replaced. Having benefitted from unusually light usage over the years, the 6 cylinder is in good form, starting up promptly and running solidly as it teams with a period correct "three on the tree" transmission. This very fashionable cruiser makes quite an impression as it passes by on its set of 14" stock wheels outfitted with Coker Classic whitewalls for just the right vintage look.

This 1959 Edsel Ranger offers a chance to get behind a truly unique classic that's running strong and looking great. Call today!