1958 Edsel Bermuda

The vertical grille became the most criticized feature of the Edsel. Discover additional images of Edsels.

Ford introduced the Country Squire, Mercury offered the Colony Park, and with the 1958 launch of Edsel, it presented its premium Bermuda Station Wagon. Similar to its Ford Motor Company siblings, the 1958 Edsel Bermuda Station Wagon was easily recognizable thanks to its faux wood paneling.

Edsel Image Gallery

After over a year of anticipation, the public expected the Edsel to revolutionize the automotive industry. However, when it was unveiled on September 4, 1957, its bold styling, particularly the vertical center grille mockingly dubbed the "horse collar," sparked debate. Technologically, the 1958 Edsels were largely based on existing Ford and Mercury models.

The Edsel Corsair and Citation utilized Mercury bodies but featured a unique wheelbase and a 410-cubic-inch V-8 engine, originally designed for Lincolns and Mercurys. The budget-friendly Ranger and mid-tier Pacer models shared their body designs and 118-inch wheelbase with Ford's Fairlanes.

Edsel, like many automakers, categorized its wagons as a distinct series. The two- and four-door Villagers mirrored the Ranger's trim, while the four-door Bermudas offered a slightly more upscale Pacer-style interior. All models, however, shared the same fundamental body structure and 116-inch wheelbase as Ford's station wagons.

In 1958, Ford introduced its "FE" series of V-8 engines. The largest, a 361-cubic-inch variant, was exclusively used in the entry-level Edsels. The "E-400" engine, named for its torque output, delivered 303 horsepower

. A standard three-speed manual transmission was offered, with optional overdrive and a three-speed automatic available.

This Bermuda model featured a Pacer interior capable of seating six passengers.

The Bermuda showcased here is one of only 1,456 six-passenger units produced, with an additional 779 models designed to accommodate nine passengers. Ned Scudder, its current owner from La Jolla, California, was instantly captivated upon seeing it at a 1999 car show. When the Edsel collector who owned it decided to sell six months later, Ned seized the chance without hesitation.

Scudder notes that the Bermuda underwent a repaint in 1998 but remains largely original. It features optional extras such as the Teletouch push-button automatic transmission, dual exhaust systems, and dual side mirrors.

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