Ford introduced the first Edsel cars with great fanfare in 1956. But the buzz didn’t last long. The questionable styling, quality problems, and a recession led to Edsel’s demise after just three years of production. The model’s distinctive grille was intended to be the brand’s hallmark feature. But it quickly became known as, well, the “toilet seat grille.”
Cover of 1958 Ford Edsel brochure
The Edsel is the automotive Rodney Dangerfield. The brand gets no respect. That made the 1958 Edsel Ranger recently available on eBay the perfect model to star in Used Cars.
Used Cars movie poster
The 1980 cult movie—starring Kurt Russell and directed by Robert Zemeckis—tells the story of unscrupulous used car salesmen.
In the dark comedy, the Edsel was the used car lot’s sign ornament. But Luke Fuchs, the elderly lot owner played by Jack Warden, dies and is buried in the Edsel.
There were three Edsels used in the production. However, the seller says the 1958 Edsel Pacer for sale is the only one known to survive.
The seller explains:
The 1958 Pacer four-door hardtop which has been painted white and turquoise (but has a coral interior) is the one used when they dig up Jack Warden’s main character in the film (Luke Fuchs) and fix him behind the wheel while on the hook of a tow truck.
Push-Button Transmission and Other Novelties
The Edsel Pacer is a step up from the Ranger base trim. It features stainless-steel side and window trim, along with contoured seats, color-keyed floor mats, and other upgrades. It has a pillar-less hardtop design, lending a sportier appearance than its sedan counterpart. Distinctive turquoise side coves accent the white body.
This ’58 example also retains a Teletouch steering wheel hub-mounted push-button controls for the automatic transmission. Unfortunately, the push-button transmission, an unusual feature intended to set Edsel apart, also backfired.
Teletouch was supposed to make it easier to shift gears, but its location on the steering wheel hub—where the horn button usual resides—led some drivers to shift gears when they intended to honk the horn.
Other notable features include:
- a rotating domed speedometer
- self-adjusting brakes
- warning lights the emergency brake and low oil pressure
Laughable Design
The Edsel for sale on eBay was recently rescued from 30 years of storage. It’s in remarkably good condition—even after being covered in layers of grime. The body is rust and dent-free, with virtually all the trim, glass, bumpers, and lights in place.
The car still wears a vintage Arizona license plate and a state windshield sticker dating from 1964. After filming, the movie car was sold and moved into storage, where it has been for three decades.
What continues to make the Edsel immediately recognizable is its funny grille. Even by over-the-top 1950s automotive styles, the grille had an odd design.
But Edsel fans now take pride in these disrespected attributes. And they might have the last laugh as collectible Edsels rise in value.
Edsel fan clubs worldwide hold regular events and assist each other with repair advice. The 1958 Edsel Pacer would be a chance to join this enthusiastic group—and help preserve a piece of automotive and movie comedy history.
