1959 Edsel Ranger deserves a second look
In the classic car world, there are bound to be perennial four-wheeled favorites, and then the less desirable models found parked well out of the limelight.
One make that, decade after decade, continues to strike a cord with enthusiasts is the Detroit born and bred Ford brand. One of its local fans, Andy Bieszart, went on the hunt for a rolling classic toy bearing an iconic blue oval badge in the summer of 2010.
“I had been looking at all types of vintage cars but zeroed in on really wanting a Ford,” the Glen Ellyn resident said. His fixed mentality shifted suddenly when he stumbled upon the ad for his 1959 Edsel Ranger, a car from a make of which most were, and some still remain, skeptical.
“It was so unique and attractive but I remained extremely cautious. Edsel has always had that bad stigma associated with it.”
The Edsel brand was launched by parent company Ford and only lasted three short years — 1958, '59 and '60. The division was named after Henry Ford's only child and, despite pioneering innovations, its models were criticized for questionable styling and lackluster appeal due to a shifting marketplace.
Because of an economic downturn at that time, many buyers were looking for smaller, more affordable vehicles and the Edsel just didn't deliver.
After an intrigued Bieszart did some research on the short-lived brand, his confidence grew with the knowledge that the Ranger's powertrain was manufactured with time-tested Ford products. Firmly convinced in their durability, he made the trek out to Winoma, Minn., to check out the two-door hardtop. After a test drive, he plunked down the cash and brought it home.
The Jadeglint Green and Snow White cruiser had spent most of its time in sunny California. Bieszart sought to return it to its roots by creating a custom you'd see cruising around the Golden State in the early '60s.
A pair of 1958 Impala radio antennas was installed, custom pink and teal pinstriping was applied, and white-walled tires were wrapped around jet-black Ford 15-inch rims.
The factory 292-cubic-inch V-8 was left alone and is still fed with the stock two-barrel carburetor. The engine delivers a modest 200 horsepower and 285 foot-pounds of torque through a Mile-o-Matic Automatic two-speed transmission. Plans are in place for dual exhausts, complete with side-mounted lake pipes.
In the two years of his ownership, Bieszart has learned that the masses' opinion on the styling has gradually shifted over to his way of thinking about this rarely seen ride.
“I had no idea how much attention this car would get. For a car with such a bad reputation, most seem to love it,” he said.
And Bieszart certainly enjoys showing it off. Despite manual steering and brakes, he ensures it sees regular use — even if the sun isn't out.
“I drive it all the time, even in bad weather,” Bieszart said. “Let's face it, the car is 53 years old and rain isn't going to kill it.”
His Ranger also made an appearance in the short-lived NBC “Playboy Club” television series, filmed in downtown Chicago. For a brand most remembered as an automotive failure, Bieszart has found, whatever your viewpoint, his car starts conversations.
“I enjoy the interactions with all sorts of people wherever I go. Even after all the years, everyone has a story — or strong opinion — about Edsels.”
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