Image of 1958 Edsel Bermuda, sourced from en.wikipedia.org , Image Link.

Unveiling the 1958 Edsel Bermuda: A Distinct Chapter in Automotive History

The 1958 Edsel Bermuda represents a fascinating footnote in the annals of automotive design, a bold venture by the Ford Motor Company that encapsulated the optimism and ambition of the late 1950s. Born during an era when car manufacturers were pushing the boundaries of style and substance, the Edsel lineup was meant to bridge the gap between Ford's mid-range offerings and its luxury Lincoln-Mercury division. The Bermuda, with its distinctive styling and station wagon body, was a part of this audacious lineup. Notably, it was one of the few vehicles to feature a horse-collar grille—a design choice that remains a conversation starter among classic car enthusiasts.

Design and Innovation: The Edsel Bermuda's Unique Aesthetic

The exterior of the 1958 Edsel Bermuda is a testament to the era's design ethos, with its eye-catching front grille and pronounced tailfins. The station wagon's silhouette was both stately and adventurous, appealing to suburban families and style-conscious buyers alike. Inside, passengers were treated to an array of high-quality materials, including optional two-tone vinyl or fabric upholstery. The dashboard housed innovations such as the Teletouch automatic transmission system, which utilized push-buttons in the steering wheel hub—a feature ahead of its time. Color options for the Bermuda ranged from singular shades to dramatic two-tones, with names as evocative as the vehicle itself: Ember Red, Frost White, and Jet Black. Among these, the two-tone paint schemes were particularly popular for their ability to accentuate the Bermuda's bold lines.

Historical Significance: The Legacy of the Edsel Bermuda

Despite its initial promise, the Edsel brand struggled to gain traction in a competitive market. The Bermuda was no exception; however, its impact on automotive design cannot be overstated. It challenged conventions with its unique grille and push-button transmission—features that would influence future designs. The Edsel's story is also a cautionary tale about market research and consumer demand, providing valuable lessons for future generations in the auto industry.

Performance and Handling: Experiencing the Ride

Powered by a V8 engine available in several displacements, including a 361 cubic inch option with up to 303 horsepower, the Bermuda's performance was respectable for its class. It could reach highway speeds with ease, although its acceleration from 0-60 mph was not record-breaking by modern standards. Handling was typical for large wagons of the time; it managed bumps adequately but could be cumbersome on twisty roads due to its size. Driving an Edsel Bermuda today is about relishing in nostalgia—the thrum of a vintage V8 under the hood and the commanding view over that iconic grille.

Ownership Experience: Living with an Edsel Bermuda

Originally marketed as versatile family transporters, many Bermudas now enjoy second lives as cherished show cars or weekend cruisers. Maintenance can be a labor of love; while mechanical parts are often shared with other Ford models of the era, some trim pieces are unique to Edsels and can be challenging to source. Reliability is typical for a vehicle of its age—regular upkeep is essential.

Fun Facts: The Quirks That Define an Edsel

The Edsel Bermuda holds several curiosities within automotive circles. It is rumored that some celebrities owned Bermudas during their heyday, drawn by their distinctive looks. Although not record holders in speed or sales—the brand sold only 2,235 Bermudas in 1958—their rarity now adds to their charm. Criticisms at launch included debates over its polarizing front-end design and ambitious technology like Teletouch that proved less reliable than traditional gear selectors.

Collector's Information: Assessing Value and Rarity

Today, an Edsel Bermuda can fetch varying prices depending on condition and originality; well-preserved examples might command anywhere from $20,000 to $40,000 or more at auction. As production numbers were low—especially for fully optioned models—their scarcity can drive up interest among collectors. While exact production figures are debated due to incomplete records from Ford at that time, it is estimated that fewer than 1,500 may still exist today.

Conclusion: Celebrating an Automotive Iconoclast

The 1958 Edsel Bermuda stands as a monument to an audacious period in automotive history—a time when daring design met unbridled optimism on America's roadways. Though its journey from showroom floors to collector garages wasn't without bumps along the way, today it is celebrated for its uniqueness and character—a true classic that continues to turn heads and spark conversations wherever it goes.

1958 Edsel Bermuda Bumperette Bumper. Used at bumper guard on car-BG 101Bumperette Bumper. Used at bumper guard on car. Made of gray rubber with steel core and threaded studs. 6-3/4"l X 3/4" thick, with 3-3/4" between studs. Pair

1958 Edsel Bermuda 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

1958 Edsel Bermuda Antenna Pad. 1-5/8" wide X 3-5/8" long. Each-MP 780-FAntenna Pad. 1-5/8" wide X 3-5/8" long. Each