The Edsel Division of the Ford Motor Company had a short lifespan – ranging only from model years 1958 through 1960. Its name paid homage to Edsel Ford, son of Ford’s founder Henry Ford, and the division ultimately ended up being regarded a commercial failure due to $250 million in losses. Today, we get to look at a classic car that was owned by perhaps the country’s most devout Edsel collector.
The Pick of the Day is a 1960 Edsel Ranger two-door hardtop listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a private seller in Sarasota, Florida. (Click the link to view the listing)
The Ranger originated as a base model for the Edsel division in 1958 and 1959, but for 1960 it was the only coupe/sedan offered by the brand (there were station wagons marketed separately). While sharing much of its architecture with the much more common Ford Sunliner, the Ranger did have a distinct wheelbase that was one inch longer than its Ford counterpart. The parking lights, trim, and taillights were additional elements that set the car apart from the Ford model lineup.
One of the most influential Edsel collectors in history was Jim E. Popp of Maryland. Jim, who passed away in 2016, was the owner of the “Shrine of the Holy Grille,” which operated as a non-profit to share the collection and raise funds for charity. After his passing, Jim’s cars were sold off, and today’s featured car came from his very own collection. The listing says that the car was “extensively restored” in 2001 and is optioned with a Seafoam exterior, a Mile-O-Matic automatic transmission, and original air conditioning. The color-keyed wheel covers and wide whitewalls are a nice touch.
According to production data, there were 2,571 total Edsel Rangers produced for 1960. Fewer than 300 of them were two-door hardtops such as today’s car. Rangers are so rare, in fact, that enthusiasts are always on the lookout for rebranded Ford counterparts (counterfeits).
Hopefully, this hardtop goes to someone who was as enthusiastic about the Edsel brand as Jim Popp was. It would make him proud to know that one of his cars continues to be preserved and showcased.
The seller’s asking price is $57,500.
To view this Pick of the Day on ClassicCars.com, you can find the listing here.
Source: www.classiccars.com