1960 Edsel Ranger Deluxe Hardtop Coupe
Ford Motor Company granted the marque one abbreviated final chance when production commenced September 14, 1959, only to terminate Edsel assembly permanently on November 19, 1959.
Total 1960 output reached 2,846 vehicles, with the Ranger series accounting for 2,571 units; within that total, just 295 two-door hardtops were produced and only 52 of those were Ranger Deluxe Hardtop Coupes, making this body and trim combination exceptionally rare.
Cost-cutting measures dictated sharing Ford Fairlane body panels, with distinction provided through an hourglass grille replacing the controversial horse collar design, distinctive vertical taillights raised above the rear deck, and tapered chrome spear side trim running from front wheelwell to rear bumper.
The 292-cubic-inch Y-block V8 was rated at 185 horsepower at 4,200 rpm, paired in most surviving examples with Ford’s three-speed automatic (Cruise-O-Matic) transmission.
This overhead-valve engine featured mechanical valve lifters, 8.8:1 compression, and a Holley two-barrel carburetor delivering 292 pound-feet of torque at 2,200 rpm through a 120-inch wheelbase chassis shared with contemporary full-size Fords.
Power steering provided easier handling of the 216-inch overall length, which, combined with the relatively modest curb weight (around 3,640 lbs for the Deluxe hardtop), made these cars reasonably maneuverable for their size.
Production ceased before the 1960 calendar year arrived, orphaning these final Edsels when the division was shut down, even though many mechanical components remained serviceable through Ford parts interchange.
The dramatic brevity of the model year, combined with extremely limited Ranger Deluxe Hardtop Coupe production, creates significant collector interest for these terminal-year survivors, especially well-documented cars retaining their original 292 V8 and Deluxe trim appointments.
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