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Topic starter
27/11/2023 12:04 pm
The so called '57 to '58 "Eisenhower Recession" was in full swing and interest rates soared. Auto sales were down 30% and Ford was technically in failure. Besides the significant retooling done for that model year, it was also the debut of the Edsel. The Edsel was designed to be unique in body as well as in innovations. The front end of the Edsel line up was certainly different, controversial and generally panned. Three color outlandish side trim with an odd forward loaded faux bamboo was more garish than their Mercury TPC land yacht cousin. Interior options included post modern abstract upholstery and door panel inserts that could have come from the mind of one of Timothy Leary's patients. This top of the line Edsel Bermuda station wagon was a one year only model as was its innovative push button Teletonic gear selector mounted within a stationary steering wheel hub that was plagued with problems. The Bermuda came as either a 6 or 9 passenger configuration. A total of 2336 models in both configurations were all that were sold making it the biggest failure for a failing line up from a failing FoMoCo.
The model by Danbury Mint really captured the essence of this dinosaur and has lots of operating features:
27/11/2023 12:13 pm
Have it and the blue one. Not my cup of tea in 1/1 scale but a necessary model in my model station wagon category.
27/11/2023 5:17 pm
door panel inserts that could have come from the mind of one of Timothy Leary's patients
maybe in some cases they actually animated! What a great summary thanks Rich.
27/11/2023 5:23 pm
Nice looking model of what is now a very rare vehicle. Ford was luck to survive this era. Thanks for another informative post Rich.
27/11/2023 5:34 pm
Thanks Rich for your very 'descriptive' review !
Tony Perrone and Rich Sufficool reacted
27/11/2023 6:08 pm
@bob-jackman I as well have both the Red and Blue models. Love them both.
Tony Perrone reacted
27/11/2023 6:56 pm
Fine images of a very cool station wagon in an eye-catching color. 1958 wasn't a real good year for the economy or car makers in general, so Ford and Edsel weren't alone !
Tony Perrone and Rich Sufficool reacted
27/11/2023 11:14 pm
I have this model and the blue version too. Like both a lot! I may be in the minority, but I think the '58 Edsel was a nice looking car with a unique styling that could never be forgotten. For what my opinion is worth, Ford Motor Co. pulled the trigger too fast on dropping the brand. When they cheapened the look for '59 to look like a "bland Ford", the car was dead right then. I know hindsight is always 20/20, but the Edsel didn't get a fair shake at becoming a contender. The company panicked and pulled it to fast. As I said, my opinion.
George Schire
Oakdale, Minnesota
Tony Perrone reacted
28/11/2023 8:57 am
I've always loved the Edsel wagon and DMs model is amazing. I don't believe I've ever seen this model in 1:1 form.
John Merritt
South Lyon, Michigan - USA
