1958 Edsel Bermuda

Wagon

5.9L 5917CC 361Cu. In. V8 GAS OHV Naturally Aspira

Tele-Touch 3-speed automatic

W8RT702284

Clear

GAS

If you have ever thought about sneaking off to the office on Saturday to get some extra work in, with no one noticing your car in the parking lot, or if you want to play a quick round of golf at the club without your buddies knowing you were there ... well, you may want to look at other cars. This 1958 Edsel is neither a stealth-wagon nor a shrinking violet. It is, instead, a gorgeous example of an iconic vehicle that has been made famous in automotive history, sometimes for all the wrong reasons. The Bermuda station wagon was the top of the line for Edsel in 1958, the only year the faux-woodie wagon was available. Fewer than 1500 examples of the 6-passenger Bermudas were ever built, and their survival rate was dismal, hence you are looking at an extremely rare vehicle. A curious fact is that the Edsel wagons were built on the shortest wheelbase of all Edsels - just like a '57 or '58 Ford Country Squire, the Edsel Bermuda rides on a 116" wheelbase. In contrast, the Pacer and Ranger models measured 118", while the Corsairs and Citations were huge at 124.5", making the wagons the shortest and most nimble of the bunch. You may have seen this car before, as it was featured in Collectible Automobile magazine back in their April, 2001 issue. This particular example was rescued early-on, and became part of a 23-car Edsel collection in northern California during the 1970's. When the collection was broken up during the early 90's, the Bermuda wagon found its way south. Its then-owner had the original brown and yellow color scheme give way to a more beach-friendly look, using a combination of the '58 Edsel factory colors of "Sunset Coral" and "Snow White" to give the car a distinctive presence. (To me, the Coral looks more like "57 Lincoln "Bermuda Coral" but the Bermuda isn't taking questions.) Rather than replace the driftwood Dynoc vinyl woodgrain decals, an automotive woodgrain specialist was engaged to paint the faux wood trim, and this not only looks superb, but has held up extremely well. The car's interior remains in very good condition, with plastic over the factory seat covers augmented by fresh carpeting on the floors. There are no rips or tears in the seat upholstery. The linoleum floors in the rear cargo area have survived with some small scratches and a few nicks, while the headliner is excellent save for one small tear at the very rear, where it is hard to see. The Edsel was originally intended to be Ford's performance car line, and this one retains its original drive train. The engine is the strong 303-horsepower, 361 cubic-inch FE V-8 with a standard 4-barrel carburetor and dual exhausts. The transmission is the Edsel-only "Tele-Touch" 3-speed automatic with electronic pushbuttons that "float" in the center of the steering wheel. Having recently been serviced, the gear-selector works the way it should, just like the rest of the car. Among the notable features in this example are power windows (that all work) and a factory tachometer in the gauge cluster. The unique "boomerang" tail lamps feature the optional back-up lights. The properly-sized battery is brand new and the car has just had an oil & filter change. Along with its striking color scheme, this 1958 Bermuda features Citation spinner hubcaps and a matching pair of the Edsel-only exterior fender mirrors. The mileage - 106,430- is more reflective of a car a fraction of this one's age, and this car has NEVER had any rust on it - the floors, chassis, and body remain as dry and as solid as when they were new. The glass shows no cracks or delamination anywhere. The chrome is excellent all around. There is no evidence of any prior accident damage or repairs. Steel-belted radial whitewalls are Continentals with very little wear on them. Whether you are one of the growing number of station wagon enthusiasts, just a lover of old cars, or have a business that could use a fresh image via a distinctive company car with your logo on it, this Edsel bears consideration. Over the 15 years I have owned it, the car has been reliable, fun to drive, and always elicits positive comments. It goes without saying that the chance to buy an Edsel Bermuda woodie doesn't come along every day. And, if you would prefer a more conservative look, the car could easily be returned to its factory scheme of Charcoal Brown Metallic (Code M) with Jonquil Yellow (Code Q) side coves, as apart from the color change, the bulk of the car's originality has been preserved. A number of spares and extras that I have collected over the years will go with the car at no charge. These include 4 spare front side grilles in good, used condition and one center horse-collar grille in nice condition; a new pair of front bumper guards with their rubber inserts; an extra pair of reproduced tail light lenses; a set of 4 original chrome hubcaps; a mint owner's manual; various shop manuals and service bulletins; and some back issues of Edsel Club magazines. If you would like additional information or photos of any specific areas, please let me know at (858) 442-7917. In response to a question: yes, the rear seat folds down flat into the floor, and it is backed with the same rubberized linoleum as in the rear cargo area. With the rear seat folded down there is space between the wheel housings, and with the tail gate up, that measures 42" wide and just over 87" long. This is a nice car. It runs well, has been exceptionally well-maintained over the years, it looks great, and it elicits a lot of smiles. All it needs now is another appreciative owner.