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Unveiling the 1960 Edsel Ranger: A Tale of Ambition and Rarity

The 1960 Edsel Ranger stands as a testament to an era of automotive ambition that soared as high as it stumbled. Born from the Ford Motor Company's desire to break into a market niche that didn't quite exist, the Edsel brand was named after Henry Ford's son and was meant to make a splash in the mid-range car segment. Despite its infamous history and short-lived production, the Edsel Ranger emerged with a character that has intrigued collectors and enthusiasts for decades. Notably, 1960 marked the final year of Edsel production, making this model a poignant closing chapter in what is considered one of the auto industry's most dramatic tales.

Design and Innovation: The Last Stand of a Daring Vision

The 1960 Edsel Ranger pared down the ostentatious design elements of its predecessors, offering a cleaner, more conservative look that aligned with early '60s aesthetics. Its exterior styling featured modest tailfins, a simpler grille, and restrained chrome accents. Inside, passengers were greeted with an array of materials that ranged from vinyl to cloth, depending on trim levels. The Ranger's dashboard housed an innovative Teletouch transmission system on earlier models, where drive selection was made via push-buttons in the center of the steering wheel—a futuristic concept at the time. Color options for the 1960 Ranger were reflective of its era, with names like "Jonquil Yellow" and "Regal Red" catching buyers' eyes. Among body styles, which included two-door sedans, four-door sedans, and two-door hardtops, it was the hardtop that often stole hearts with its sleek roofline devoid of B-pillars.

Historical Significance: More Than Just A Footnote

The Edsel Ranger's historical significance lies not just in its design or features but in its emblematic representation of corporate missteps and market miscalculations. It set itself apart with bold marketing strategies and unique features but ultimately succumbed to poor sales driven by economic recession and public perception. However, its story is now integral to lessons in brand management and product development within the automotive industry.

Performance and Handling: The Final Gallop

Equipped with a standard inline-six or an optional V8 engine, the 1960 Ranger's performance was respectable for its time. While top speed and acceleration figures were not headline-grabbing—with 0-60 mph times languishing around the 10-second mark—the V8 models provided enough power for everyday driving needs. Handling was typical of large American sedans of the era: soft and comfortable rather than sharp or sporty. Drivers could expect a smooth ride over long distances with engine sounds that hummed rather than roared—a gentle giant on both city streets and country roads.

Ownership Experience: From Daily Driving to Showpiece

The Edsel Ranger found its place among various owners—from daily drivers who appreciated its spaciousness to show car enthusiasts drawn to its rarity. Maintenance could be challenging due to scarce parts availability; however, sharing many components with other Ford models helped alleviate some repair concerns. As time passed, surviving Rangers became cherished collectibles rather than practical transportation.

Fun Facts: The Edsel's Eccentric Legacy

Despite—or perhaps because of—its commercial failure, the Edsel has garnered a cult following. Rare editions like the convertible saw only 76 units produced in 1960, making them highly sought after by collectors. Celebrity ownerships have added to the mystique, while appearances in films and television capitalized on its unique place in automotive lore. Criticisms often focus on its initial pricing strategy and controversial styling choices but have softened over time as nostalgia paints the model in a more forgiving light.

Collector's Information: Assessing Value Amidst Rarity

Today's collector market sees varying values for the 1960 Edsel Ranger depending on condition and rarity—with estimates ranging from $10,000 for models in need of restoration to upwards of $50,000 for pristine examples. With only several thousand produced across all body styles for this final year—and fewer surviving—the Ranger is both rare and intriguing for collectors. Price trends have shown appreciation over recent years as enthusiasts seek to own a piece of this unique automotive story.

Conclusion: The Enduring Allure of the Edsel Ranger

The 1960 Edsel Ranger may have marked the end of an audacious experiment in automotive history, but it also began an enduring legacy cherished by classic car aficionados worldwide. Its tale is one of ambition, innovation, and ultimately redemption as it finds new life on show fields and private collections—a phoenix risen from ashes of skepticism into an emblem of mid-century Americana.

1960 Edsel Ranger Mirror Pad. 1-3/8" wide X 7-1/4" long. Each-MP 780-EMirror Pad. 1-3/8" wide X 7-1/4" long. Each