It is not unheard of in the automobile community that a model unloved when new becomes a much sought-after collector car, but it is a rare occurrence. The Edsel is a case in point. It was innovative and striking from its introduction late in 1957, yet it failed to excite the public, despite the great variety of models in the 1958 product line. As a result, the company retrenched for 1959 with cars that were entirely Ford-based, but sales fell by a third. People were somewhat surprised when 1960 models were introduced as thinly disguised 1960 Fords in a single series. No one was startled when production was halted barely a month later, with just 2,846 having been built.

In the realm of 1960 Edsels, the convertible coupe has become the most sought after, which is not surprising given its total production run of 76. The idea of it is so tantalizing that quite a few have been faked by putting Edsel noses and taillights on 1960 Ford Sunliners.

This 1960 Edsel Ranger Convertible Coupe is the real deal. It was originally sold in Southern California and then purchased from the Salmon Brothers Collection in Little Rock, Arkansas, in 2012. It was restored in the 1990s and is currently painted in the original color of Black Velvet and has the correct red and silver interior, which was available only on the convertible. It is believed to be the only one in this color and trim combination. It is equipped with the 300-brake horsepower, 352-cubic inch engine, a Dual Power three-speed automatic transmission, and a 2.91:1 rear axle, and its odometer shows barely 22,000 miles, which are understood to be correct. Other equipment on the car includes power steering, air conditioning, a pushbutton AM radio, dual spotlight mirrors, fender skirts, and a Continental kit.

This correctly restored, authentic 1960 Edsel Convertible presents well in all respects and is part of a very tiny constituency, the much-coveted “one of one.”