1960 Edsel Ranger Restomod

Description

Say the name "Edsel" and a lot of folks might start to laugh. But show them this very slick 1960 Edsel Ranger and perhaps they'll change their tune. Subtly modified and filled with a storming 5.0 powerplant, it's a cool cruiser for the guy who's brave enough to be different.

Ford hastily restyled the Edsel for 1960, only to kill it halfway through the model year. That's really a shame, because this car is very much in fashion, both then and now. The long, sleek hardtop styling has a bit of the Ford Galaxie Starliner in it, and the two share quite a bit of DNA, but up close, everyone will be wondering what this one is. The pastel green paint is period perfect and only a car with fins can pull it off, with this Edsel getting extra points for keeping all its trim intact during the freshening. Paint quality is pretty good, with the only demerits being a few of the expected signs of use and age, but there's really no way to avoid that if it's a car you love driving. The trim was all restored, so it shines up brilliantly, and it's a good thing it's in such good shape, because Edsel parts, particularly 1960 Edsel trim parts, are virtually impossible to find. That strongly suggests this car has always been clean and intact, and the overall look really backs it up. And by the way, this car has about the coolest rear end we've ever seen, have a look!

The interior is subtle, but with bucket seats, a console, and all the creature comforts, it's a joy to drive. The upholstery looks very much like what you may have gotten in 1960, with patterned cloth and pleated stitching, and they've very cleverly installed the stock wheel on a modern tilt steering column. A Lokar shifter for the 3-speed automatic transmission has a fitted leather boot that integrates neatly into the design, and the original gauges are still in charge of monitoring the engine's vitals. There's also a period-correct under-dash A/C unit that's very much like what the dealer might have installed when it was new. The custom console has a built-in TV and three Rockford-Fosgate speakers in the rear package shelf, so it sounds awesome without changing the interior look. And speaking of the trunk, it's not only massive, but it's neatly finished in black carpets.

The engine is a familiar 5.0 borrowed from a low-mileage 1995 Ford Mustang, which was re-sealed before being installed in the Ranger. A few polished aluminum parts, a custom serpentine belt drive system, and neat wiring make it look at home in the Edsel's engine bay, and if you look around, you'll see a lot of other upgrades as well, ranging from power steering to 4-wheel disc brakes. Beautiful headers tuck in close to the block and Flowmaster mufflers give it that famous 5.0 sound that everyone loves so much. There's also a custom front suspension with tubular A-arms and power steering, while the rear appears to be the original 9-inch. Clean floors, a lowered stance, and cool 18- and 20-inch Billet Specialties wheels on 225/40/18 front and 295/40/20 rear tires make this Edsel really stand out.

With a reported $120,000 wrapped up in the build, this rare Edsel is a definite stand-out at the next show. And it drives even better than it looks! Call now!