It Had Everything But Looks.... [PIC]

1958 was already a bad sales year for Ford, down 28% from 1957. Adding to that, Ford debuted the Edsel. The money they invested in this new division with its full lineup of sedans, coupes, convertibles and station wagons. They were powerful with 2 new V8s: the 361 cid E400 with 303 HP and the 410 HP E475 with. a push button 3 speed automatic on the steering wheel. Also new was self adjusting brakes, child-proof rear door locks, a snazzy "floating compass" speedometer and optional remote trunk opener. The interior safety features included a deep dish steering wheel, padded dash and double door lock. The interior was made to look more plush than the Ford and offered abstract pattered upholstery. They had two different wheel base chassis for different models. This Bermuda model was upgraded over the base Villager with extra trim and faux wood paneling. Not many people looked into all these features after the looks were panned by the critics and late night talk show host. It got plenty of publicity, but mostly the wrong type. I love this Danbury Mint model as pure kitsch. The wagon would look right at home in a travelling circus convoy. Comedians likened it to "an Oldsmobile sucking on a lemon".