How much is the Edsel car worth today?
The Edsel, a car model produced by Ford Motor Company in the late 1950s, is now considered one of the biggest failures in automotive history. Despite the company's high hopes and significant investment, the Edsel was a commercial flop, with only around 118,000 units sold before production was discontinued after just two years. Today, the Edsel is a rare and highly collectible car, with some models fetching impressive prices at auction.
The Rise and Fall of the Edsel
The Edsel was introduced in 1957 as Ford's answer to the growing popularity of mid-range, upscale cars like the Oldsmobile and Buick. The car was heavily promoted and hyped, with a significant marketing campaign that promised it would be a game-changer in the industry. However, the Edsel's distinctive styling, which included a controversial "horse-collar" grille, was widely panned by the public, and the car's high price tag and perceived lack of features compared to its competitors contributed to its downfall.
Despite the initial hype, the Edsel was a commercial disaster. Sales were far below Ford's expectations, and the company ultimately pulled the plug on the model in 1959, just two years after its introduction. The failure of the Edsel is often cited as one of the most famous and costly product flops in business history, with estimates of the total cost to Ford ranging from $250 million to $400 million.
The Edsel's Current Value
Today, the Edsel is a highly sought-after collector's item, with some models fetching significant prices at auction. The most valuable Edsels are the rarest and best-preserved models, with some examples selling for over $100,000. However, the vast majority of Edsels are worth significantly less, with more common models typically selling for a few thousand dollars or less.
The Edsel's enduring legacy as a symbol of corporate hubris and the dangers of over-hyping a product has also contributed to its collectability. Many enthusiasts and collectors view the Edsel as a fascinating piece of automotive history, and its unique design and limited production numbers have made it a highly desirable target for collectors.
Conclusion
The Edsel may have been a commercial failure, but it remains a fascinating and iconic part of automotive history. While the vast majority of Edsels are worth relatively little, the rarest and best-preserved models can fetch significant prices at auction, reflecting the car's enduring appeal and the continued fascination with one of the most famous product flops of all time.
How much did an Edsel cost in 1960?
The total cost for the consumer model was $ 3,072. However, the most collectible 1960 Edsel model was the convertible which sold for $3,800. Only 76 models were produced for the consumer market making this the most popular of the 1960 Edsels among auto history enthusiasts.
Are edsels valuable?
Fewer than 10,000 Edsels survive and are considered collectors' items. Mint 1958 Citation convertibles sometimes sell for over $100,000, while rare models, like the 1960 convertibles, may bring up to $200,000.
What is the rarest Edsel?
9-passenger Villager wagon
For its shortened and final model year, 2,571 Rangers and 275 Villager units were produced (all in the U.S.), with the rarest models being the convertible (76) and the four-door, 9-passenger Villager wagon (59, the rarest).
What made the Edsel such a bad car?
Its main failing was in its attempt to do a callback to an earlier time in its styling. Specifically, the vertical grille that was adopted for the Edsel design theme: This led to the ``toilet seat'' and ``it looks like a Plymouth sucking a lemon'' put-downs that, honestly, it earned.
How much is a Ford Edsel worth today?
The value of a 1958 Edsel Corsair can vary greatly depending on its condition, mileage, options, and history. Typically, you can expect to pay around $18,450 for a 1958 Edsel Corsair in good condition with average spec.
How rare is a Ford Edsel?
Only 118,287 Edsels were built, including 7,440 produced in Oakville, Ontario, Canada.
How much is a Studebaker worth today?
What is the average sale price of a Studebaker? The average price of a Studebaker is $25,446.
What is a 1959 Edsel worth?
Typically, you can expect to pay around $13,388 for a 1959 Edsel Ranger in good condition with average spec. What is the highest selling price of a 1959 Edsel Ranger? The highest selling price of a 1959 Edsel Ranger at auction over the last three years was $22,000.
How many miles per gallon does a 1959 Edsel get?
Based on data from 4 vehicles, 180 fuel-ups and 29,360 miles of driving, the 1959 Edsel Ranger gets a combined Avg MPG of 13.02 with a 0.30 MPG margin of error.
What does the name Edsel mean?
Meaning:Noble. Edsel is a masculine name of German origin, derived from Etzel, meaning “noble.” A name that recalls ancient Germanic myth, the epic poem Song of the Nibelungs features Etzel (aka Attila the Hun), king of Hungary and the second husband of Kriemhild.