292 Ranger V8, Mile-o-matic 2-speed transmission, 3.10:1 axle ratio
Edsel number
703193 manufactured in Louisville, KY on October 30, 1959
Owner:
Brian Lawler
Phil Skinner had owned the car from 1987 until 1995. He sold it to Dave
Lee who had it for about 7 months. I ended up paying $1700 for it in about a
3-4 condition. I drove the car from Dave's house to mine (about 20 miles) with
only the right front brake working. It hardly ran, either. The engine
made a horrible sound like the rocker arms were about ready to fall off. We
finally figured out what the noise was when we chucked the engine. When we got the
clearances off the piston walls, they were bored .050 over with .040 pistons and the rings
were taking up the slack. Needless to say, the thing sounded like a diesel. It
was almost as loud as my dad's Dodge Cummins!
With the engine scrapped, I had a friend who builds Y-blocks professionally build me one
for it, except with my specs. My requirements were to get 300hp on a two-barrel
Y-block. We came close - got about 270hp with the 2bbl. I have since added a
4bbl setup to it. I wanted everything to be bone-stock but also get the max
hp. Let me tell you a 4bbl conversion is not that easy to make look correct on a '60
Y-block. That setup brings the air cleaner forward a good inch and a half. I
had to modify certain objects to make it fit but it works. We got the hp by doing a few
little goodies to it. It has been bored .040 over, has the large '57 heads,
everything ported and polished, has a big block Autolite carb on it, intake has been
modified to accept more fuel, has 10.0:1 compression, and has a nice goodie - an original
Ford racing kit hi-po camshaft!
The engine we use is a late '56 312 block. Let me tell you, with the 2spd
auto I was able to lay 20 feet of rubber with the 3.10 gears. I do have a
new trans for it though. The aluminum case 2spd is going. I have a
'61 Y-block Cruise-O-Matic for it. The reason for all this power is not for burning
the rubber right off but is for towing. I am still searching for the right
vintage travel trailer which is something else I am into. I want a late 50's
or early '60s 16-20ft unit. I have not finished the car as of yet. There is
one ahead of it right now, my '57 Ford Courier that left the factory wearing Ranch Wagon
windows (one of two known to exist). The Edsel will appear to be completely stock
throughout minus the carburetor. It is even going back to Sahara Beige and
Polar White.
I know the car is not the last car built, but it does have a significant place amongst the
Edsel group being known as the highest serial number '60 Edsel still around.
Link to my other Edsels -
Location:
California
Owned since:
1995
Mileage:
unknown
Condition:
In restoration
Originality:
Stock, with new drivetrain (see notes)
Accessories included:
Padded Dash and Visors, Radio, Lever-Temp Heater/Defroster
Notes:
This car has held the title of highest serial numbered car still in existance,
since 1977. It was built on October 30th, 1959 along with Mike Cowles'
turquoise convertible and a white Villager which are sequenced ahead of mine.
The car was delivered new to Knickerbocker Lincoln Mercury in Southern California, as was
the turquoise convertible and the white Villager.
W8RF701597
OU14W700452
Information as of:
May 1995
Owner:
Dave Lee
Location:
Fontana, California
Owned:
1995
Mileage:
unknown
Condition:
Drives, needs mechanical work
Originality:
unknown
Accessories included:
unknown
Notes:
Information as of:
December 1994
Owner:
Phil Skinner
Location:
Fullerton, California
Owned:
1987-1995
Mileage:
unknown
Condition:
Solid California car
Originality:
unknown
Accessories included:
unknown
Notes:
Information as of:
1968
Owner:
Curtiss Edwards
Location:
Orange, California
Owned since:
unknown
Mileage:
unknown
Condition:
unknown
Originality:
unknown
Accessories included:
unknown
Notes:
1968 research by R. Meek