From Preston M. - Talk
about rare! Ford decided to pit the new Edsel division against better
established GM products with their 2 door Wagon called Roundup. The name
invokes the then trendy cowboy theme and implies that the car can carry
a large payload. Unfortunately the popularity of 2 door wagons pealed
for the 1957 model year, leaving Edsel with a mere 930 some Roundups
being produced. The brand ended up owning quite a few for roadside
assistance use. Most of those cars have survived and easily recognized
by their signature bluish green paint.
Edsel
is best known for tons of novelty options like power seats and the
Teletouch transmission. This particular 1958 Roundup is incredibly bare
bones. Optioned with only a heater and vacuum wipers, this Roundup is
one of a kind. It has the original PA title, original owners manual,
and the hand written order slip from the dealer dated 1957! Edith, as
she is known, is dressed in what we believe to be her original Coral and
White two-tone paint. Also still on her are what we believe to be the
original rear tires as it had snow tires mounted on other rims most of
its life. Edith only racked up 51,000 miles and looking at her, it isn't
hard to believe. The frame still has its original coating in spots.
The
story goes that the car was daily driven until 1968 and kept as a
second car until 1973 when it was parked. In 1978 it was sold to a
mechanic at the Ford dealer where the car was always serviced. The
mechanic bought it to be a beach cruiser. He bought a bunch of original
parts such as an original FOMOCO battery and correct spark plug wires.
He drove it twice. Once from the original owner's house to his, and then
again to his new house. It has always been garaged. Rust is incredibly
minimal but it also adds to the cars original fabric. No filler on this
one.
How
rare is a Roundup? According to numbers given by the Edsel Club in
there registry there are only 32 cars listed as still extant. Once
registered, this would be car number 33. It is the 87th Edsel ever built
making it amongst the oldest survivors. I think 2nd oldest production
Edsel to survive and 7th overall. I have been toying with the idea of
selling it, but am not sure I'm ready to let go!Source: barnfinds.com
