What are the options for the 1960 Edsel?
The 1960 Edsel offered three main series—Ranger, Corsair, and Pacer—along with a range of body styles, engines, transmissions, and popular optional equipment. Buyers could tailor a car to daily driving or family use within a distinctive Edsel package.
As the final year of Edsel’s short-lived run as a separate brand, the 1960 lineup emphasized three core series, each available in multiple body configurations and engine/drive options. This article outlines the primary choices dealers offered in 1960, including model lines, body styles, powertrains, and common features that could be added as options.
Models and body styles
The 1960 Edsel lineup centered on three principal series—Ranger, Corsair, and Pacer—with a variety of body configurations to suit different needs. Across these lines, buyers could typically choose from 2-door and 4-door sedans, 2-door and 4-door hardtops, and a Villager station wagon variant for family transport. The goal was to provide a distinct Edsel look with practical layouts comparable to competing full-size American cars of the era.
- Ranger: base-series offering, available in multiple body styles within the sedan and hardtop family, plus wagon configurations where offered.
- Corsair: mid-range, with similar body style options and upgraded interior trim as the tiered option.
- Pacer: top-of-the-line, featuring more styling and interior detailing, while sharing the same broad body-style choices.
These options allowed buyers to balance cost, style, and practicality within the Edsel presidency of the model year.
Mechanical options: engines and transmissions
Under the hood, Edsel’s 1960 cars were powered by V8 engines, with choices designed to provide reasonable performance for the era. Transmission options complemented the engine lineup to suit driver preference and road conditions.
- Engines: standard V8 powerplants in the Edsel lineup typically included a 361 cubic inch V8, with a larger 410 cubic inch V8 offered for those seeking extra torque and performance.
- Transmissions: manual transmission was available, alongside automatic options commonly associated with Ford’s transmission families of the time.
- Powertrain notes: engine and transmission combinations varied by series and body style, with higher trims often paired to emphasize smoother operation and perceived refinement.
Engine and transmission choices were designed to align with the model’s trim level, allowing buyers to opt for a straightforward economy package or a more robust setup.
Option packages and features
Beyond powertrains, Edsel offered an assortment of convenience, comfort, and styling options that could be added to fit preferences and climate. These options reflected the era’s push toward more feature-rich mid-sized cars.
- Power steering and power brakes for easier handling and braking
- Radio and speaker combinations, plus heater and air conditioning for comfort across seasons
- Interior trim upgrades and upholstery choices to enhance luxury feel
- Exterior details such as chrome accents, wheel covers, and two-tone paint options on certain body styles
Dealers could assemble Edsels with a mix of these features, allowing buyers to tailor the car’s look and comfort to personal taste and regional climate.
Historical context and collector notes
As Edsel’s final year, 1960 models occupy a notable place in American automotive history. Collectors often weigh condition, originality, and documentation of trim and engine configuration when assessing value. Because equipment and availability could vary by market and production run, precise matching of a particular car’s features to its original factory order is a common focus for restoration and appraisal.
For enthusiasts aiming to verify specifics, consulting period catalogs, dealer literature, and registry data can help confirm which engines, transmissions, and option packages were offered for a given serial number or trim level.
Summary
In 1960, Edsel presented a concise, three-series lineup—Ranger, Corsair, and Pacer—each available in a range of body styles (sedans, hardtops, and wagons) and paired with V8 powertrains (notably 361 and optional 410 cubic inches) and automatic or manual transmissions. A broad set of options—from comfort features to styling touches—gave buyers latitude to fashion a distinctive Edsel experience in the brand’s final year.
