10 Little-Known Facts About the Rare and Forgotten Edsel Ranger
The Edsel was a short-lived make of automobiles produced by Ford Motor Company. Introduced in 1957, it lasted just two years before being discontinued due to poor sales and its failure to meet consumer expectations. One of the lesser known models from this ill-fated line was the Edsel Ranger. Here are ten intriguing facts about this rare and forgotten vehicle.
1. Origins in a Collaboration
The Ford Motor Company decided to produce the Edsel Ranger as part of their attempt to create a distinct brand, separate from the main Ford line. However, this model was a product of a collaboration between Ford and Mercury. It shared its platform with both Ford’s Ranch Wagon and Mercury’s Commuter wagon. The goal was to capitalize on the growing demand for pickup trucks during those years.
2. Unique Design
The Edsel Ranger possessed a distinctive design, setting it apart from its competitors and the rest of the Ford line-up. It featured an extended cab with a rear-facing bench seat for three passengers. This unusual setup catered to families who required extra seating but also needed space for carrying cargo or tools. The Ranger was offered only in this configuration, making it unique among its contemporaries.
3. Diverse Powertrain Options
The Edsel Ranger came equipped with a range of engine options, including Ford’s famous 292-cubic inch V8 Y-block engines and a 170-cubic inch six-cylinder engine. Consumers could also choose between two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive systems. This versatility in powertrain options catered to various driving needs, ranging from daily commutes to off-road adventures.
4. Attention to Detail
The Edsel Ranger showcased an impressive level of detail and craftsmanship for its time. It featured a unique “V” shaped grille, giving the vehicle a distinctive look while also improving airflow around the engine. Additionally, the pickup had a chrome trim, which added to its aesthetics and made it stand out on the roads.
5. Unique Color Schemes
The Edsel Ranger offered buyers various color combinations for their vehicles, including eye-catching options like “Cypress Green” and “Seafoam Green”. These unique hues set the Ranger apart from other pickup trucks of its era. It also had a signature white stripe down the side that ran across the doors and continued along the truck bed, adding to its visual appeal.
6. The Struggle to Survive
The Edsel Ranger faced stiff competition from other popular pickup trucks of the era, such as Ford’s own F-Series and Chevy’s C10. With the discontinuation of the entire Edsel line in 1960 due to lackluster sales, the Ranger was left without its intended marketing push. The model struggled to find an audience and eventually faded into obscurity.
7. Preserved Specimens
Despite its short life, a few rare Edsel Rangers still survive today. A handful of these vehicles can be found in museums or private collections around the world. Their preservation serves as a testament to their unique design and place in automotive history.
8. The Legacy of the Edsel Ranger
Although the Edsel brand did not experience long-term success, its models like the Ranger contributed to the development of pickup trucks. Their innovative features and design elements influenced future vehicle designs by Ford and other automakers in the industry.
9. The Edsel’s Impact on Pickup Truck Evolution
The Edsel Ranger played a part in shaping the pickup truck market, with its unique design elements and unconventional approach to seating arrangements. Over time, these features became incorporated into modern trucks, providing owners with additional comfort and versatility for different types of work or leisure activities.
10. Finding the Edsel Ranger in Popular Culture
The Edsel Ranger has managed to find a place in pop culture as well, featuring in movies like “American Graffiti” (1973) and “Back to the Future” (1985). In both films, the Ranger serves as an example of the vintage vehicles that dominated American roads during their respective eras. These appearances have contributed to keeping the memory of the rare and forgotten Edsel Ranger alive.
In conclusion, the Edsel Ranger represents a unique chapter in automotive history. With its distinctive design, powertrain options, attention to detail, and the struggles it faced as part of an ill-fated brand, this pickup truck has left its mark on the world of vehicles, even if only for a brief moment. As time goes by, more rare Edsel Rangers are likely to be preserved in collections, reminding us of their place in automotive history.