One-Year Gem: Rare 1958 Edsel Bermuda Begs for Complete Restoration

Edsel failed for many reasons. The early cars looked too outlandish, and they were priced too close to Mercury models. Historians also cite reliability issues, the 1957-1958 recession, and the market's failure to understand the brand.

In its three years on the market, Edsel offered seven nameplates, but four of them did not make it beyond the inaugural model year. While the Ranger and Villager were sold though 1960, the Corsair was discontinued after the 1959 model year. The Citation, Pacer, Roundup, and Bermuda weren't that lucky; they were phased out after 1958.

The station wagon you see here is one of those one-year-only gems. It carries a Bermuda emblem, which makes it one of three station wagons offered in Edsel's inaugural year. The Bermuda was the range-topping grocery-getter, sitting atop the base Roundup and the Villager. 

Much like its more affordable siblings, the Bermuda was built on the 116-inch (2,946 mm) wheelbase chassis used by Ford station wagons, while also sharing core body panels. Available as a four-door wagon only, the Bermuda featured the controversial "horse collar." I happen to like it, but hey, I'm a bit of a weirdo.

Extra features included deluxe interior appointments and simulated wood panels and frames. The only engine available was the 361-cubic-inch (5.9-liter) FE-series V8, offered with either a three-speed manual or three-speed automatic.

On top of being a one-year-only model, the Bermuda is also a rare classic. Edsel sold about 68,000 cars in 1958, but only 6,470 units were station wagons. The base Roundup is the rarest, with 963 delivered, followed by the Bermuda, with 2,235 examples sold.

This number includes 1,456 six-passenger wagons and 779 nine-passenger models. This Bermuda is a six-passenger variant that may have emerged from a barn years ago. 

The vehicle is relatively complete inside and out, but it will need a restoration to shine again. It's unclear if it has been repainted at some point, but the single-tone green finish isn't bad (the seller claims the color is rare). The fake wood trim, on the other hand, needs a lot of work.

The station wagon sports a two-tone green interior that's still in fairly good shape. I haven't spotted extensive damage on the upholstery, but the trunk section needs a makeover. Based on the provided photos, rust appears to be minimal.

The seller says the car "is missing the radiator and driveline," the original engine still exists. The mill is out of the car and needs to be rebuilt, but it's complete. When new, the 361-cubic-inch V8 delivered a healthy 303 horsepower and 400 pound-feet (542 Nm) of torque.

Hailing from Rock Springs, Wyoming, the Edsel Bermuda will go home with anyone willing to pay $14,000. The seller is firm about his "cash only, not trades" policy. According to Classic.com, Bermudas in excellent condition sold for an average of $51,700 at high-profile auctions over the last 12 years.

The most expensive example, a wagon previously owned by Edsel Ford II, fetched $165,000 in 2021.