Fresh from the pages of the book A Face Only a Mother Could Love, I present to you the 1959 Edsel Ranger.
This short-lived model has become somewhat collectible, given its low production numbers and, let’s say, unique styling. This particular car, the 2-door hardtop, was limited to just 5,966 original examples.
Let’s see what the seller has to say about this snub-nosed, slab-sided sled:
Edsel Ranger, runs and drives great, was my daily driver for quite some time, never had any major issues. 292 wide block v8 with 2 speed automatic, only rust out on the car is under the doors (as pictured). The floorboards and frame are incredibly solid an has been well protected. trunk pan has some surface rust but nothing major. chrome was painted when i got the car and is lightly pitted. the front seat backrest has a couple holes in the upholstery, but rest of the seats are in good shape. a relatively easy project for restoration or just drive it the way it is for a classic patina cruiser. permanently licensed, not more tabs! Clear title, Cash only, no trades,
Patina usually implies chrome, but most of it has been painted over. Also, rust in the trunk is not “nothing major,” in my opinion. Remember, this is western Washington, where moisture, mold, and moss all conspire to slowly consume cars. Moss can take hold on any car that isn’t regularly washed, no matter how new. He’s right about the interior; it needs some work, but it’s not beyond help (keeping in mind the mold). You could drive it as is and be comfortable.
However, is that a CD player I see bolted to the bottom of the dash? (There ought to be a law…) Slapping an aftermarket CD player on a classic dash is like putting airbags on a Conestoga wagon – both have their place, but not together. If you’re going to upgrade your sound, keep it tasteful: hide it in the glovebox!
I’m kind of a sucker for ugly cars, and I think the flat black bumpers look great with the ugly red paint. I once painted a Hot Wheels car a very similar shade of red (which I mixed myself in a Testors paint jar). Incidentally, it was this week in 1959 that Ford Motor Company reached the 50 million production mark. Ironic that such an unloved car was produced in such exciting times for the company.
What say you? Is this lone Ranger (come on, I had to) worth $3,000? Would you drive this ugly FoMoCo machine?
[Source: Craigslist]
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