Lovers of 'classic' cars born to be mild

USA TODAY ^ | 29 March 2002 | Marco R. della Cava

[Deadeye Division]

PASADENA, Calif.

[BluesDuke]

I'm afraid I don't subscribe to Cars and Parts, in large part because I'm not terribly mechanically inclined. (About the best I could possibly do would be learning to fix a small appliance - which I plan in due course to do, viz restoring from the guts up the classic Sunbeam Mixmaster of 1930-67, one of which machines I learned to cook on when I was growing up and one of which I now own, fully restored: a 1955 Model 11.) But I do read such journals as Classic Automobiles and Du Pont Registry for material about vintage and antique cars. My personal favourite among antique cars are Packards and the late-1950s Lincolns, but I've lately developed a small affection for the Hupmobile.

[BluesDuke]

I actually liked the Edsel! (I'm not surprised that the Comet germinated as an Edsel-marque compact; the rear end of the original Comet, if one looks very closely, suggests the Edsel.) It wasn't a bad car at all; its fate was that the midrange price markets had depressed a few years, including those when the Edsel first rolled out. I'm not the only Edsel aficionado who thinks, looking back on the history, that if Ford could have just hung on a little longer, there would have been room enough for the car.

[Graewoulf]

If it doesn't rain tomorrow, I'll bring my car around for a spin in the country, if you can spare the time.

[BluesDuke]

1958 Edsel Citation.



1959 Edsel Corsair.




My personal favourite: I thought the 1959 Edsels were far more handsome cars. From all I have read of them, they were the best of the Edsels. 1960 Edsel Ranger.

[RangeRatt]

C&P isn't heavy on tech, and they have GREAT articles on history of the different marques, a couple of months ago a 4 page photospread & story about Earle Hosstetler, who collects & restores Hudsons & Hupps, and a lot more.

[RangeRatt]

ah yes, but the '59 didn't offer the "Teletouch" shifter, although I agree, the styling did smooth out over the '58. I saw, not too long ago, a "58 Edsel Retractable Convertible"- I know "E" never had that particular model, but the workmanship was awesome, and unless you knew the above fact, you'd swear it was factory original. Also, ever seen an "Edselchero"?

[BluesDuke]

I'm given to understand a few Edsel aficionados like to modify their prizes, including the famous retractable "Skyliner" roof (introduced in the 1957-58 Ford). I've heard about the "Edselchero," too, though I've yet to see one in the steel, so to say...I was surprised to discover the 1959 Edsel dispensed with the touch transmission in the steering column (an idea they kind of modified from Chrysler, whose cars introduced push-button transmission around 1955), but all my reading of the Edsels tells me the 1959 Edsels were the superiors among the short-lived marque.

I'll have to give Car & Parts another pull...

[2Trievers]

You know I always have time for you Woulfie ... have you been keeping deep dark secrets from me? I may never forgive you! Will 1 PM be fine? BD ... forgive me ... I know not what I do! &;-)

[BluesDuke]

There's something to forgive? *scratching head...slightly in the dark...* ;)

[2Trievers]

Great Thread DeD! Thanks!

The very first porsche ever made, 1948 356 Roadster. This is a one of a kind. Nerds need not apply. &;-)

[2Trievers]

You have Freepmail Babe &;-)

[RangeRatt]

the Teletouch was actually an "electronic" control for shifting, rather than Chrysler's cable system- the main problem with it was that the controller box was mounted on the inner fenderwell on the passenger side, and was succeptible to heat, as well as moisture, which would cause it to not work, or, even worse, work erratically. Provided more than a few surprises, I'm sure!

[BluesDuke]

I can only imagine the surprises - like pressing the button to put the car in reverse only to shoot it forward? (Cartoonists must have had a field day showing a driver pushing the "drive" button only to find it had converted into an ejector seat!) I had known the first Edsels had a few design and array problems...but not much detail about those.

[RangeRatt]

I have seen some pretty good "E" articles over the years, but it is one of the few cars on my "favorites" list that I have yet to drive or own. I think it would be an awesome car to have.

[BluesDuke]

I agree. Good luck!

[uglybiker]

I'll do some checking around. Back at that time, anything was possible with Ma Mopar.

[ResistorSister]

Our daughter always considered our VW BUS to be a Nerd car; well actually
She thought it was a Geek car. By the time she was 15-years old
she refused to ride in it because - "eveyone was laughing at us."
I loved driving the VW BUS...but then...I am a computer Geek.

A VW BUS that is similar to the one we had.

[Graewoulf]

Just whip up some fried chicken, pop 'em in a basket and we'll find lovely spot for a picnic in the country. Looks like rain, not dark secrets.

[2Trievers]

Sounds good but I was planning sardine sandwiches with a dry Reisling. &;-)