Image of 1959 Edsel Ranger, sourced from en.wikipedia.org , Image Link.

Introduction

The 1959 Edsel Ranger is a car that encapsulates a unique chapter in automotive history. Born from the ambitious dreams of Ford Motor Company, the Edsel brand was named after Henry Ford's son and envisioned as a new standard in American motoring. The Ranger, as the entry-level model, aimed to capture the hearts of mid-century consumers with its distinctive styling and advanced features. Despite its infamous reputation and short-lived production run, the Edsel Ranger has become a symbol of 1950s Americana and a collector's curiosity. A notable moment in its history was the anticipation surrounding its launch, which was one of the most hyped in automotive history, only to be followed by a dramatic fall from grace.

Design and Innovation

The exterior styling of the 1959 Edsel Ranger was bold and controversial. Its vertical grille, often likened to a 'horse-collar', was flanked by dual headlights and pronounced chrome accents. The car's profile featured sweeping lines and tailfins that were characteristic of the era's space-age obsession. Inside, occupants were treated to an array of colors and patterns with upholstery options that ranged from standard fabrics to premium vinyls. The dashboard housed innovative controls like the Teletouch transmission system, which used push-buttons in the center of the steering wheel for gear selection. Color options varied widely, with President Red and Snow White being among the popular choices. Body styles included two-door sedans, hardtops, and convertibles, with the two-door hardtop often celebrated for its sleek look.

Historical Significance

The Edsel Ranger's impact on automotive design was less about innovation and more about lessons learned in marketing and consumer research. It stood apart with its distinctive design features but ultimately failed to resonate with buyers, leading to its demise after just three model years. However, this misstep provided invaluable insights for future product launches in the auto industry.

Performance and Handling

The 1959 Edsel Ranger was powered by a range of engines, with the most common being a 292 cubic inch V8 that propelled it to respectable top speeds for its time. Acceleration from 0-60 mph was achieved in under 13 seconds—a decent figure for a car of its size and era. On the road, the Ranger handled with predictable composure, though it was not without its quirks; drivers often noted a soft suspension that made for a comfortable but wallowy ride over bumps. The engine's rumble provided an auditory backdrop to what was generally considered a smooth cruising experience.

Ownership Experience

The Edsel Ranger found use in various roles from daily driving to weekend showpieces. Its reliability mirrored other Ford products of the time but suffered due to public perception issues. Maintenance could be challenging due to unique parts like the Teletouch system, making repairs more complex than for more mainstream models.

Fun Facts

The Edsel Ranger holds an unusual record: it is part of one of history's most notorious automotive flops. Despite this reputation—or perhaps because of it—Rangers have appeared in numerous films and TV shows set in the '50s era. Criticisms often focused on its polarizing design and questionable reliability of certain features.

Collector's Information

Today, an estimated 6,000 Edsel Rangers remain from an original production run that numbered tens of thousands across all Edsel models. Values vary significantly based on condition and originality; prices can range from $5,000 for a project car to over $35,000 for a pristine example. The market has seen appreciation for well-maintained or restored Rangers as interest in mid-century Americana continues to grow.

Conclusion

The 1959 Edsel Ranger is more than just a car; it's a narrative of ambition, failure, and redemption within automotive culture. While it may not have been appreciated in its time, today it stands as an intriguing collector's piece that tells a story about America's past—both on and off the road.

1959 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

1959 Edsel Ranger 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