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The 1959 Edsel Villager represents a unique and somewhat infamous chapter in American automotive history. Introduced as part of the redesigned Edsel lineup for its second and final model year, the Villager was a station wagon offering in a market segment that was gaining popularity. The Edsel brand, conceived by Ford as a mid-priced offering, ultimately faced significant challenges in the marketplace, and the 1959 models were a last-ditch effort to revive the brand with a more conventional design approach compared to the polarizing 1958 models. The Villager, available in both six-passenger and nine-passenger configurations, aimed to provide practicality and style in a family-oriented vehicle. Despite the Edsel’s overall short lifespan, the 1959 Villager remains a relatively rare and interesting piece of automotive ephemera, particularly sought after by collectors interested in the unconventional and short-lived marques of the era. This particular example, completed in June 1958, has a notable history of restoration by a marque expert and accolades from the AACA.
This 1959 Edsel Villager six-passenger station wagon underwent a comprehensive refurbishment in the late 2000s by Jim Popp, a well-known expert in the Edsel marque and part of his “Shrine of the Holy Grille” collection. Following the completion of this meticulous project, the vehicle reportedly achieved recognition within the classic car community, earning an AACA National First Prize in 2009. Its significance was further highlighted by its display at the Maine Classic Car Museum, showcasing the quality of the restoration and the rarity of the model. The exterior of the wagon has been repainted in a distinctive maroon and pink color scheme, a departure from its original Gold Metallic with a Snow White roof and accents. The interior has also been fully reupholstered, featuring gray and black vinyl with textured tan cloth inserts on the seating surfaces, providing a comfortable and period-appropriate aesthetic. The Villager rides on 14-inch body-color steel wheels fitted with chrome hubcaps and BFGoodrich Silvertown radial tires, including a matching spare. It features a comfortable 118-inch wheelbase and a traditional suspension setup with a coil-sprung independent front and semi-elliptical rear leaf springs. Stopping is managed by four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes, typical for vehicles of this era. Recent maintenance in March 2025 reportedly included significant work to ensure its continued operation.
Power and Performance: Under the hood of this 1959 Edsel Villager resides a 332 cubic inch “Express V8” engine. This V8 featured five main bearings and was factory rated to produce approximately 225 horsepower. This power output would have provided adequate performance for a family station wagon of the late 1950s, offering sufficient torque for hauling passengers and cargo. The engine is paired with a three-speed manual transmission with overdrive, shifted via a column-mounted lever. The inclusion of overdrive would have allowed for more relaxed and fuel-efficient cruising at higher speeds. Recent mechanical work in March 2025 aimed to ensure the engine’s reliability and smooth operation, including the installation of an electric fuel pump, overhauling the starter motor, and replacing the carburetor along with the ignition points and condenser. An oil change was also performed in preparation for its sale.
The interior of this Edsel Villager has been thoughtfully reupholstered, moving away from its original green vinyl and Gold Puff cloth. The current upholstery features black and gray vinyl with comfortable and stylish textured tan cloth inserts on both the front bench seat and the rear fold-down bench seat, accommodating up to six passengers. For modern convenience, a digital media receiver with Bluetooth capability has been discreetly installed, along with an accompanying speaker, allowing for contemporary audio enjoyment while retaining the classic interior ambiance. The driver interacts with a three-spoke steering wheel adorned with a chrome horn ring, which frames a 120-mph speedometer, gauges for monitoring fuel level and coolant temperature, and various warning lights. The five-digit odometer currently displays approximately 42,000 miles, with around 100 of those added since the current owner acquired the vehicle in February 2024.
The exterior of the 1959 Edsel Villager showcases the redesigned styling of the Edsel line for its final year. Originally delivered in a Gold Metallic finish with a Snow White roof, lower tailgate, and bodyside accents (identified by the factory color code CE1), the bodywork has been repainted in a striking Velvet Maroon with Talisman Red accents as part of its refurbishment. The vehicle is equipped with quintessential late-1950s chrome bumpers, the unique vertical front grille insert that was a signature Edsel styling element, and quad headlights. Practical features include a roof rack for carrying additional luggage or equipment and a versatile split-folding tailgate, enhancing the wagon’s utility. The presence of a rear fold-down bench seat further increases cargo-carrying capacity when needed. Noteworthy is some bubbling in the paint along the left-rear wheel arch, as detailed in the provided gallery. The underside of the vehicle has been refinished in a light green color, and a replacement dual exhaust system has been installed, likely improving the engine’s breathing and providing a more robust exhaust note. The fuel system also received attention in March 2025, with the fuel tank being removed and cleaned, and the fuel sending unit replaced.
The 1959 Edsel Villager, despite the Edsel brand’s overall struggles, represents a unique and interesting footnote in automotive history. This particular example, with its documented restoration by a marque expert, AACA National First Prize, and museum display, holds a special significance for collectors. The combination of its 332ci V8 engine, three-speed manual transmission with overdrive, and the practicality of a six-passenger station wagon make it a distinctive classic. The recent mechanical work performed in March 2025 further enhances its appeal by addressing potential maintenance concerns. While the Edsel brand may not have achieved its initial aspirations, vehicles like this 1959 Villager offer a glimpse into the design and engineering trends of the late 1950s and serve as a reminder of the diverse and sometimes challenging landscape of the American automotive industry. This well-maintained and historically significant station wagon is now offered with a clean California title, presenting a rare opportunity for enthusiasts of the unusual and short-lived marques.
Summary
- 1959 Edsel Villager six-passenger station wagon.
- Refurbished by Edsel expert Jim Popp in the late 2000s.
- Awarded AACA National First Prize in 2009.
- Powered by a 332ci Express V8 engine.
- Features a three-speed manual transmission with overdrive.
- Repainted maroon and pink exterior.
- Reupholstered gray and black vinyl interior with tan cloth inserts.
- Equipped with a roof rack and split-folding tailgate.
- Recent maintenance includes carburetor replacement, electric fuel pump installation, and starter overhaul.
Disclaimer: Information provided is based on available details and the seller’s description. Condition and history should be verified by the buyer through personal inspection or a qualified third party.
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