Edsel

Edsel diecast model cars represent one of the most distinctive and short-lived chapters in American automotive history. Introduced by Ford Motor Company for the 1958 model year, the Edsel marque was intended to fill perceived gaps between Ford, Mercury, and Lincoln. Instead, the brand became famous for its unusual styling, ambitious engineering, limited production run, and rapid disappearance from the market.

For collectors, that short history is exactly what makes Edsel diecast models interesting. The Edsel lineup lasted for only three model years, from 1958 through 1960, and included several memorable nameplates such as the Ranger, Pacer, Corsair, Citation, Roundup, Bermuda, and Villager. Today, these cars are particularly appealing to collectors of American classics, 1950s automobiles, Ford history, and unusual or historically significant vehicles.

The History of Edsel

Ford introduced the Edsel as a new automobile division in September 1957, selling the cars as 1958 models. The company believed there were opportunities between its existing Ford and Mercury products and between Mercury and Lincoln. The Edsel was therefore designed to provide customers with a new choice rather than simply being another Ford model.

The first Edsels were notable for their dramatic styling. The most recognizable feature was the large vertical center grille, surrounded by distinctive front-end styling. The cars also incorporated several features that were unusual for the period, including the Teletouch push-button automatic transmission controls mounted in the center of the steering wheel and a rotating-drum style speedometer.

The initial Edsel range was considerably broader than the brand's brief lifespan might suggest. Ford offered both Ford-based and larger Mercury-based automobiles, giving the new marque several different model lines and body styles.

The first year did not meet Ford's expectations, and the company progressively reduced the Edsel lineup. The 1959 models received revised styling and a simplified range, while the 1960 Edsel was reduced to the Ranger and Villager. Ford announced the end of the Edsel program on November 19, 1959, with final production ending later that month. Only 2,846 Edsels were produced for the shortened 1960 model year, while total production across the three model years was 118,287 vehicles.

That brief production history has made the Edsel an especially recognizable subject for collectors.

Edsel Models to Know

Edsel Ranger

The Edsel Ranger was one of the core models of the marque and the only Edsel sedan line to remain through all three model years. In 1958 and 1959, it was available in several body styles, including sedans and hardtops. For 1960, the Ranger became the primary Edsel passenger car and was offered in sedan, hardtop, and convertible configurations.

The Ranger is a particularly useful model for collectors interested in comparing Edsel with contemporary Ford products because the 1960 version shared considerable architecture with Ford's full-size cars while retaining distinctive Edsel styling details.

Edsel Pacer

The Pacer was introduced for 1958 and occupied the Ford-based portion of the original Edsel lineup. It was offered in several body configurations, including sedans, hardtops, and a convertible.

The Pacer disappeared after the 1958 model year as Ford began streamlining the Edsel range. Its limited production period makes it an interesting subject for collectors looking for less commonly represented Edsel body styles.

Edsel Corsair

The Corsair occupied a higher position in the original Edsel lineup and was initially based on the larger Mercury platform. For 1958, it was offered as a two-door and four-door hardtop. The 1959 Corsair moved to a Ford-based chassis and gained additional body styles, including a sedan and convertible.

A Corsair diecast model can therefore be particularly interesting when collecting by model year because the 1958 and 1959 versions represent significantly different stages of the Edsel program.

Edsel Citation

The Citation represented the upper end of the original 1958 Edsel passenger-car range. It shared its larger platform with Mercury products and was available as two-door and four-door hardtops as well as a two-door convertible.

The Citation was discontinued after 1958, making it one of the short-lived Edsel nameplates that can add variety to a collection of 1950s American automobiles.

Edsel Roundup, Bermuda and Villager

Edsel also offered a distinct station wagon range.

The Roundup was a two-door wagon, while the Villager and Bermuda were four-door station wagons. The Bermuda was particularly distinctive because of its wood-style exterior treatment and upscale positioning. The Roundup and Bermuda were discontinued after 1958, while the Villager continued through the 1960 model year.

For collectors, these wagons are valuable additions because they demonstrate that the Edsel lineup extended well beyond the dramatic sedans and convertibles most commonly associated with the marque.

Why Collect Edsel Diecast Models?

Edsel models appeal to collectors for several different reasons. Some are drawn to the cars' distinctive 1950s styling, while others appreciate their place in Ford Motor Company history.

An Edsel collection can represent several themes:

• 1950s American automotive design
• Ford Motor Company history
• Classic American full-size cars
• Unusual and historically significant automobiles
• 1958, 1959, and 1960 model-year collections
• American station wagons
• Classic convertibles and hardtops
• Short-lived automotive marques
• Distinctive grille and tail-light designs
• Cars associated with the changing American automobile market

The Edsel is also an excellent subject for collectors who enjoy cars that did not become mainstream successes. Its limited production history gives the category a different character from collections centered exclusively on long-running automotive nameplates.

Collecting Edsel by Model Year

Because the Edsel changed significantly between 1958 and 1960, collecting by year can be particularly rewarding.

1958 Edsel models showcase the original design and the largest selection of nameplates, including the Ranger, Pacer, Corsair, Citation, Roundup, Bermuda, and Villager.

1959 Edsel models reflect Ford's attempt to simplify and reposition the brand. The Citation, Pacer, Roundup, and Bermuda were discontinued, while the Corsair was redesigned around a Ford-based chassis.

1960 Edsel models are among the most distinctive from a collecting perspective because only the Ranger and Villager remained. The styling was substantially revised, replacing the original vertical grille treatment with a different split-grille design. Production lasted only a short time before Ford ended the Edsel program.

Collectors who find examples from all three years can create a compact display showing how quickly the Edsel evolved—and disappeared.

Choosing an Edsel Diecast Model

When selecting an Edsel diecast model, consider the specific nameplate, model year, body style, scale, and manufacturer.

The 1/18 scale is well suited to collectors who want a larger display model with room for detailed exterior and interior features. 1/24 scale offers a practical balance between display size and detail and is a common choice for American classic car collections. 1/43 scale is useful for collectors who want to represent many vehicles while conserving display space.

Other scales, including 1/12, may be available depending on the particular Edsel model and manufacturer. Scale availability can vary considerably because Edsel was produced for only a short period and is a more specialized subject than many long-running American brands.

When comparing two Edsel models, also look at:

• Model year
• Ranger, Pacer, Corsair, Citation, or wagon designation
• Sedan, hardtop, convertible, or station wagon body style
• Exterior color and trim
• Wheel and tire design
• Opening parts and interior details
• Diecast manufacturer
• Scale
• Packaging and display condition

For collectors, these differences can be just as important as the Edsel name itself.

Edsel Diecast Models for American Car Collections

An Edsel diecast model can complement collections devoted to Ford, Mercury, Lincoln, and other American manufacturers from the 1950s. Because many Edsel components were related to Ford and Mercury products of the period, an Edsel can also help illustrate the relationships between different divisions of the Ford Motor Company.

The Edsel is particularly effective as a display subject alongside other late-1950s American cars. Its unusual front grille, body proportions, tail-light designs, and period styling make it immediately recognizable among more conventional automobiles.

Whether you are collecting by decade, manufacturer, model year, body style, or historically unusual automobiles, Edsel provides a compact but fascinating subject with plenty of variety.

Explore the available Edsel diecast model cars at DiecastModelsWholesale.com and browse the available scales, body styles, and classic Edsel nameplates to find a model that fits your collection.