The Edsel marque made a strong effort to redesign and refine its vehicles for the 1959 model year. They softened the previous year’s highly polarizing design elements. This approach resulted in a more conventional, yet still distinctive, look. This particular 1959 Edsel Ranger Sedan is one of only 12,814 four-door sedans produced that year. It has a well-documented history, reportedly being with one owner for 39 years before 2010. The car represents a fascinating chapter in American automotive history.
Distinctive Second-Year Styling
The 1959 redesign shed the original Edsel’s controversial “horse-collar” grille. Instead, it introduced a horizontal, divided front grille with a singular vertical insert. This design choice provided a more cohesive appearance with its Ford siblings. This sedan wears the factory-delivered two-tone paint scheme. The body is finished in Talisman Red, beautifully complemented by a Snow White roof and bodyside accents.
Exterior Features and Condition
The Ranger maintains its chrome bumpers, quad headlights, and fender-mounted mirrors. The quarter panels proudly display the Ranger model badging. The 14-inch steel wheels are painted to match the body color. They wear chrome, Edsel-branded hubcaps for an authentic look. New Hankook Kinergy radial tires were installed in 2023. Noted imperfections include some areas of rust repairs and past paintwork behind the wheel wells.
Vintage Interior Comforts
Inside, the cabin features front and rear bench seats, typical of the era. The upholstery is a striking combination of silver and black vinyl with black surf cloth inserts. The black carpets line the floors beneath matching black and silver vinyl door panels. The atmosphere is authentically vintage, providing a true step back in time.
Instrumentation and Amenities
The black three-spoke steering wheel is framed by a chrome horn ring. It sits ahead of the GT40-inspired instrument array. The driver monitors a 120-mph sweep speedometer, along with gauges for fuel level and coolant temperature. An original-style AM radio and a heater provide period-appropriate comfort. The clock was thoughtfully converted with a quartz movement in 2019 for modern reliability.
Power, Mechanicals, and Drivetrain
Under the hood sits the original type 292ci V8 engine. This engine was factory rated to produce 200 horsepower at 4,400 rpm. Numerous maintenance records detail its care, including a radiator re-core in 2023. Power is routed to the rear wheels through a rebuilt two-speed Mile-O-Matic automatic transmission. This robust system utilizes a 3.10:1 final drive. A critical recent service included the replacement of the torque converter in August 2025. Stopping power comes from four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes.
An Enduring Piece of History
This 1959 Edsel Ranger Sedan serves as a fascinating example of the brief, ambitious run of the Edsel marque. Its original V8 power, distinctive two-tone finish, and period-correct interior make it highly appealing. The car has been maintained consistently over the years and features recent mechanical refurbishment. It is an honest, running example of mid-century American automotive design. This Edsel is a rare chance to own a piece of unique, documented American motoring history.
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Source: bringatrailer.com
