1960 EDSELS

In February of 1959, Ford Motor Company executives sent a letter to the remaining Edsel dealerships expressing their confidence in the Edsel line, and that the all new 1960 model would be introduced in October.  Even though research had indicated that Edsel could not make it through another year with the negative publicity that surrounded the name, Ford decided to give the car one last chance.

To keep costs as low as possible, as well as to drop the signature "horsecollar" look, the 1960 Edsel shared
the same mechanics and body style as the 1960 Ford Fairlane series.  The trim was modified to distinguish them - the Edsel's grille had an hourglass center (which was very reminiscent of the 1959 Pontiac Bonneville) and distinctive vertical taillights that were raised off of the rear deck.  A single chrome spear tapered from the front wheelwell to the rear bumper.

Even though the car was advertised as "New - Nifty - Thrifty", sales of the Edsel of 1960 never materialized.  As production was being cut back in the factory, the few remaining Edsel-only dealerships either terminated their status or became dual franchises with Lincoln/Mercury.

Just over a month after it's introduction, the Edsel was discontinued.

• Chief Stylist: Bud Kaufman
• All 1960 Edsels were produced in the Louisville, KY manufacturing plant.
(Although a few cars from the Allen Park, MI pilot plant are still in existence)
• The 1960 Edsel introduced such innovations as horizontal coolant flow through the radiator to improve cooling, and placement of the muffler away from the passenger compartment to reduce heat.
• Production of the 1960 Edsel began on September 14, 1959
• Introduction of the 1960 line was made on October 15, 1959
• The last official day of Edsel assembly was November 19, 1959
• Total Production for all 1960 models: 2,846
• With such a limited production run-time, the 1960 model included some of the rarest Edsel models of any year
• Counterfeit 1960 Edsel Convertibles do exist!  By taking hood and rear deck sheet metal from a 1960 Edsel sedan and modifying a 1960 Ford Sunliner, you have an Edsel forgery.  (At a very rare production total of 76, and prices reaching $47,000 for a mint 1960 Edsel ragtop, it's easy to see why it happens).  Don't be fooled - a true Edsel convertible has a correct dataplate solidly riveted to the pillar, a cross-member on the frame, and vehicle ID numbers that match the dataplate, found at various points along the frame.

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1960 Edsel Specifications & Photos - Model Specific

(Click on any Edsel photo to display a full screen view )

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1960 Edsel Ranger
2-Door Sedan

Owned by

Model Number: 64A
Total Production: 777
Original Sticker Price: $2,643
Curb Weight (lbs): 3601
Length (in.): 216.0
Width (in.): 81.5
Height (in.): 56.86

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1960 Edsel Ranger
4-Door Sedan

Owned by Rod Brenneman, Corvallis, OR

Model Number: 58A (Standard interior trim)
Total Production: 1,126

Model Number: 58B (Deluxe interior trim)
Total Production: 162

Original Sticker Price: $2,697
Curb Weight (lbs): 3700
Length (in.): 216.0
Width (in.): 81.5
Height (in.): 56.86

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1960 Edsel Ranger
2-Door Hardtop

Owned by Stephen Wagner, Columbus, OH

Model Number: 63A (Standard interior trim)
Total Production: 243

Model Number: 63B (Deluxe interior trim)
Total Production: 52

Original Sticker Price: $2,705
Curb Weight (lbs): 3641
Length (in.): 216.0
Width (in.): 81.5
Height (in.): 56.86

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1960 Edsel Ranger
4-Door Hardtop

Owned by Dave Sinclair, Eagle ID

Model Number: 57A (Standard interior trim)
Total Production: 104

Model Number: 57B (Deluxe interior trim)
Total Production: 31

Original Sticker Price: $2,770
Curb Weight (lbs): 3718
Length (in.): 216.0
Width (in.): 81.5
Height (in.): 56.86

Note the extra chrome panel on the rear door C-frame, unique to the 4-door hardtop.

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1960 Edsel Ranger
2-Door Convertible

Owned by Howard Harris, Orchard Hill, GA

Model Number: 76B
Total Production: 76
Original Sticker Price: $3,000
Curb Weight (lbs): 3836
Length (in.): 216.0
Width (in.): 81.5
Height (in.): 57.11

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1960 Edsel Villager
4-Door 6-Passenger Wagon

Owned by

Model Number: 71F
Total Production: 216
Original Sticker Price: $2,989
Curb Weight (lbs): 4029
Length (in.): 216.0
Width (in.): 81.5
Height (in.): 58.20

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1960 Edsel Villager
4-Door 9-Passenger Wagon

Owned by Jim & Paula Perrault, Canal Winchester, OH

Model Number: 71E
Total Production: 59
Original Sticker Price: $3,072
Curb Weight (lbs): 4046
Length (in.): 216.0
Width (in.): 81.5
Height (in.): 58.20

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1960 Edsel Specifications - all models

Engines

Economy 6 (L6 223) Optional for all models
145 hp, bore: 3.62 stroke: 3.60, compr ratio: 8.4:1, firing order: 1-5-3-6-2-4, torque: 206 ft-lb

Ranger V8 (V8 292) Standard for all models
185 hp, bore: 3.75 stroke: 3.30, compr ratio: 8.8:1, firing order: 1-5-4-8-6-3-7-2, torque: 292 ft-lb

Express V8 (V8 352) Optional for all models
300 hp, bore: 4.00 stroke: 3.50, compr ratio: 9.6:1, firing order: 1-5-4-2-6-3-7-8, torque: 300 ft-lb

All Edsel engines for 1960 used Champion spark plugs, 18mm with 0.032 - 0.036 gap

Tires

Ranger sedan & hardtop: 7.50 x 14
(Front 24 psi, Rear 22 psi)

Villager & Ranger convertible: 8.00 x 14
(Same, except Villager, with Rear 26 psi)

Other Specifications of the 1960 Edsel

Wheelbase (in.): 120.0
Ground Clearance (in): 5.5
Overhang (in) - Front: 35.6 Rear: 60.8
Headroom (in) - Front: 34 Rear: 33.9
Shoulder room (in) - Front: 59.5 Rear: 61
Hip room (in) Front: 62.2 Rear: 63.6
Leg room (in) Front: 43.3 Rear: 41.6

Turning circle dia. (ft): 40.5
Brake lining area (sq in): 198.1
Fuel tank capacity (gal): 20
Cooling system capacity - 6 cyl (qt): 15 (16 if equipped with heater)
Cooling system capacity - 8 cyl (qt): 19 (20 if equipped with heater)
Transmission capacity - Fordomatic (qt): 10
Transmission capacity - Manual (pt): 3
Crankcase capacity - 6 cyl (qt): 4 (5 if equipped with filter)
Crankcase capacity - 8 cyl (qt): 5 (6 if equipped with filter)
Differential capacity (pt): 4.5