LS Swapped Sleeper: 1959 Edsel Villager
Here is a unique opportunity for the wagon fans and Edsel fans. Discovered after many years parked, this Edsel Villager has been a big project for the current owner. From installing new floors, to installing a Chevrolet 5.3 “LS” engine, this wagon is a sweet project that is ready to burn rubber. A wonderful mash up of classic styling with modern power, this Edsel can be yours for $11,500. Take a look at it here on craigslist out of Williamsport, Pennsylvania.
Behold the power of a modern engine that can be built upon. As many know, Chevrolet’s LS style aluminum block V8’s are quite popular and take well to modifications. Thankfully the seller seems to have rounded out this wagon a bit by adding power brakes, and disc brakes to the front end. Also the seller has added a 20 gallon fuel cell, so you can actually take this wagon on some lengthy trips. The only thing I see lacking is a proper battery tie down, and some tidying up of a few stray wires.
Inside there is a lot of sound deadening material that has been installed. I would look for, or come up with green carpet to round out the interior of this Edsel. Now what remains of the interior is in fair shape, but the difficult part is that there is no passenger side door panel. As much as I wish that it was present, you may be looking for a needle in a haystack, or you may need to make something custom. Perhaps this interior needs to be restored, or at the least reupholstered to make it complete, and as comfortable as you would like.
While I admire the weathered green paint and the body lines, this wagon does have some apparent exterior rot. The passenger side rear wheel arch and quarter panel needs work, and there looks like a few other small areas that could use some attention as well. Perhaps a full interior exterior restoration would be the ticket for this Edsel? Or maybe just leave it as is and upgrade this classic as you see fit? The overall package of this Villager is awesome and surely this has to be a fun, and reliable ride. What would you do with this zippy Edsel?
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Comments
Makes me want to PUKE.
I remember when the Edsel’s came out and even when current, you didn’t see many, for obvious reasons, styling being one of them.
That being said, my feelings have softened for a number of vehicles from that era that I would have previously rather run me over than be seen in, much less own.
For some reason, I like this. Of course with decent paint and interior it would be more appealing, but the engine swap in this appeals to my inner rebellion.
I would drive it. That’s what cars are for you know.
Nice car. I like it.
That is right.
Thumbs up! I don’t think I’d pay the ask but love the concept.
Like it but why didn’t the seller put a Ford mill in it? I would add early 60’s T Bird buckets and a console.
because they want it to go
I usually prefer a power plant of the vehicle manufacturer, but WTH ! Would be so fun to pull up to a traffic light in that sled in its glorious original appearance and challenge someone !
Frankedsel
I like the Edsel, especially their distinctive front end… and who doesn’t like a vintage station wagon? Other than the GM mill, this is a great car in my books – the relative obscurity of the car, begs for a stock powerplant in my opinion.
There was a pink Edsel convertible with black roof at the local ‘coffee and cars’ this morning, (Sunday) and it drew quite a crowd, they may have been a (‘yeeecks God help us’) car back when they were new but how many do you see today?
You all know what they said the grill of an Edsel looked like , it ain’t a horse collar and rhymes with punt . Yes I would drive the Hell out of it !
I went to a ‘coffee and cars’ morning today,(Sunday) and there was a pink Edsel convertible there with a black roof, it certainly stood out from the others and drew a small crowd. They might have been ‘crap’ but they’re rare now, and I’m talking in Australia, not the States.
The Car YES……The Engine NO.
Lotta work done. Have drive it to see if it is really all fits together.
The modern day version of the Edsel is called Lexus
I didn’t realize that the Edsel was pretty much THE most reliable car you could buy back in the day – as Lexus is now.
Ready for a new “Vacation” movie.
If you know me. I LOVE station wagons. I would love to take that one to Food City food shopping. Bruce.
If someone buys this, I have access to a door panel!
Nope. I’m a Ford guy… don’t really have any animosity towards GM vehicles – heck, since they were just used cars I’ve loved the ’57 Chevy – but the engine would be a deal breaker here.
If I am not mistaken these came with a 361 or 391 one of the two! I too am a ford guy, but I would like to have one of these restored with original motor! I happen to have access to a wagon and a sedan Edsel! Trying to decide if I can take them on! I would redo the wagon from parts off the sedan!
Nope, waaaay too much money, till you dump that anchor in the lake and install a 351W like it should have, be cheaper to buy one already done……..
It’s two,…yes, two,…two pieces of crap, in one….The wagon? Maybe. That bowtie boat anchor, under the hood? No thanks
When I was much younger I was at a large farm show with a little of everything there, I saw my first Edsel there and the hood was open and everything looked bone stock, air cleaner cover all colors matched no chrome but the engine did have 2 4 bbl carbs on it. I did not and still don’t know if this was stock but as a young boy I was impressed!
If the Ford adorers would just get past the name of these engines, they would realize that they are the best late model engines out there. Far Far superior to the Ford coyote.
Coyote? I think it would have been fine with one of the Ford mills. Keep it in the family.
If you were to use a Ford engine, it would probably be best to try and go stock if you could find a 361 4bbl which was the biggest engine Edsel made in ’59. It had 9.6 to 1 compression and put out 303 hp @ 4,600 rpm. Edsel offered a larger engine in ’58. The E – 475 (so named because it put out 472 lb/ft of torque) had 410 cubes and put out a rated 345 hp @ 4,600 rpm. It had 10.5 to 1 compression and obviously needed premium gas.