The Ford Edsel is infamous in the automotive world, often cited as Ford’s greatest production and financial failure. When it debuted in 1958, it was meant to be a revolutionary vehicle packed with innovative features and bold styling. However, it quickly became a cautionary tale of poor market research, design missteps, and unreliable technology. Perhaps its most infamous feature was the grille, which critics mockingly dubbed the “pouting face” or something even less flattering.
The Bold but Flawed Innovation
Ford offered the Edsel in 16 different variations, hoping to appeal to a broad range of customers. However, this extensive lineup resulted in performance inconsistencies and quality control issues. Among its innovations was the Tele-Touch automatic transmission, which featured gear selection buttons placed in the center of the steering wheel. While futuristic in concept, it was notoriously unreliable and plagued with electrical issues, leading to frequent failures. The Edsel’s speedometer also featured a unique rotating drum instead of a conventional needle, adding to its quirky design.
A Look at Fred’s Ford Edsel’s
In our latest episode, we had the privilege of meeting Fred, an Edsel enthusiast with two rare examples of this ill-fated car.
1959 Ford Edsel Ranger
Fred’s first Edsel is a 1959 Ranger, which retains its original, weathered paint, showing its age with chips and slight rust. It sports a 292 Y-block V8 engine and its original running gear. The interior remains largely original, with only the seats receiving a refresh in a factory-style trim. By 1959, Ford had significantly toned down the styling compared to the initial 1958 models, a reflection of the backlash from the previous year’s radical design.
1958 Ford Edsel Ranger
The second Edsel in Fred’s collection is a 1958 Ranger, featuring the original bold and controversial styling. This car was Ford’s attempt to create a standout design, but as history shows, it did not resonate well with consumers. The 1958 model included the unreliable Tele-Touch automatic transmission, a speedometer with rotating numbers, and an FE-block V8 marketed with a power rating of “E400″—a marketing tactic meant to one-up Chevrolet’s 350 engines.
Fred’s 1958 Edsel was originally destined for a charity rally due to its perceived “ugliness.” However, after undergoing restoration, it was deemed too valuable for such a purpose, and Fred stepped in to give it a proper home.
A Costly Failure
The Edsel’s disastrous reception led to a rapid decline in sales, with customers desperate to offload their vehicles. The resale value plummeted, forcing Ford to issue refund vouchers between $300 and $400 to help customers sell them, further exacerbating the company’s financial losses. Ultimately, the Edsel cost Ford millions and remains one of the most infamous failures in automotive history.
Conclusion
Spending the day with Fred and his Edsel’s provided us with a fascinating glimpse into one of Ford’s most ambitious but flawed ventures. While the Edsel may be remembered as a failure, it remains a unique and intriguing piece of automotive history. A big thanks to Fred for sharing his passion and knowledge with us!
Stay tuned for more rare and classic car stories from Aussie Garage!
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