If any car shouts out “1958 America!” it’s this 3-tone Edsel wagon. From the first year of the short-lived Ford division, it’s colorfully emblematic of that time of unbridled optimism, when everything was shooting skyward, just like the rockets at Cape Canaveral.
The Pick of the Day, a 1958 Edsel Bermuda station wagon, looks to be an immaculately restored and well-loved example that’s like a celebration of its era. Although the styling is controversial, this wagon is certainly striking and resonates with nostalgia.
“Produced only in 1958, the Bermuda wagon was the top-of-the-line station wagon model for Edsel and most-notably featured simulated woodgrain exterior paneling, the ‘horse collar’ grille, and the ‘boomerang’ taillights,” says the dealer advertising this wagon on ClassicCars.com. “This particular Bermuda is believed to be the only Bermuda sold new in Canada and has numerous documents from previous ownership.”
Although the brand was doomed to failure within three years, there are those collectors who cherish Edsels; I have one friend who’s a veteran auto writer and collector-car-auction observer who is devoted to them. While that might seem quirky and offbeat, those who desire Edsels admire their mid-century style and innovations.
“This Edsel is equipped with a Teletouch push-button 3-speed automatic transmission, which was an eccentric Edsel-only option offered for $231.40 in the late ‘50s,” the seller notes. “The instrument cluster looks to be stock and features a compass, fuel gauge, temperature controls, electric clock, and Edsel’s iconic floating-saucer-like Speedometer.”
Power is provided by an E400 361cid V8 with a 4-barrel carburetor, rated at 303 horsepower.
In the photos with the ad, the Edsel looks bright and nearly flawless, inside and outside.
“The exterior chrome and simulated woodgrain paneling on this Edsel are in tremendous shape, especially for a 60+ year-old car,” the ad says. “This Edsel Bermuda wagon sits on 4 wide-whitewall bias-ply tires with Kelsey-Hayes wire wheels, which gives this classic wagon an excellent ’50s look.
“The exterior on this Bermuda is finished in its original color scheme, Ember Red and Frost White. The interior on this Edsel Station Wagon is absolutely stunning!
“The white-and-red vinyl bench seats all appear to be brand new and comfortably seat 6 passengers. The white vinyl headliner and red/white vinyl door panels also appear to be brand new and are in excellent condition. The interior paneling and trim are in superb shape and show well.”
This Edsel is a rare piece of automotive history, one which you would be unlikely to see anywhere else, especially in this condition. The asking price is $69,995, which might seem like a lot, but try to find another like this.
To view this vehicle on ClassicCars.com, see Pick of the Day.
Beautiful wagon!
Omgosh, how BEAUTIFUL! It’s beyond that!
I want this to park in my fallout shelter. This thing is so “Dr. Strangelove” I expected to see Peter Sellers in the background.
What a lovely/hideous piece of American history.
By comparison the Edsels nose looks better than the new Mustang Mach E
You got that right.
Bob, my parents bought a new 1957 Plymouth Station Wagon. The one with the first backward facing bench seat AND what my Dad said was the FIRST pushbuttom aotomatic transmission. Chrysler Corp. was the first to offer this feature. Don’t tell me my Dad was wrong…he was NEVER wrong.
There are so many items that are wrong on this Bermuda, like No Bermuda door emblems, the “wood” side panels are completely incorrect, the wire wheels are incorrect, the interior “Cargo Wood Panels” are also incorrect….this is why the Car only hammered for $42K at Mecum in April this year,….just a flipper trying to flip this for another $27 grand…
Okay, where to start on the “Restored Bermuda”….the Cargo material is incorrect, it was Never woodgrain, the outside door woodgrain material is also incorrect, the “chrome” strips around the taillights are also missing as are the “Bermuda” name plate emblems on both outside doors, the wheels are custom spokes, which are fine but were never offered. All in all a very good looking Wagon, but with a little more help would have been even better