The Collection

Post-War & Chrome / 1946–1959

1959 Ford Edsel F-350 Medium Duty Tow Truck

No. 102 of 207

Edsel is a short-lived division and brand of automobiles that was marketed by the Ford Motor Company from the 1958 to the 1960 model years. Deriving its name from Edsel Ford, son of company founder Henry Ford, Edsels were developed to give Ford a fourth brand to gain additional market share from Chrysler and General Motors.

Following a loss of over $250 million ($2.29 billion in today's dollars) on development, manufacturing, and marketing on the model line, Ford quietly discontinued the Edsel brand before 1960.

While predominantly known for cars, Edsel also sold trucks - which were essentially Ford trucks with Edsel badging. Some of trucks (like this one) had "custom Edsel-colored" green and white paint and a green decal with a white Edsel "E" on each door. These were available to Edsel dealers in Conventional Medium Duty models (F-100, F-250, F-350, F-500, and F-600), Panel Trucks, Pickup or Express Styleside Box models (F-100), and a heavy-duty COE flatbed.

1959 Ford Edsel F-350 Medium Duty Tow Truck — museum photo

The 1959 Edsel 350 tow truck is a rare and unique vehicle, reflecting the short-lived production run of the Edsel brand by the Ford Motor Company. Edsel cars were produced from 1958 to 1960 and are known for their distinctive styling and innovative features, though they were ultimately unsuccessful in the marketplace.

The 1959 Edsel continued the brand's trend of unique and bold styling, though it was somewhat toned down from the 1958 models. Key design features included a less prominent horse-collar grille and more conventional styling to attract a broader customer base.

In 1959, Edsel offered two main series, the Ranger and the Corsair. However, the tow truck version would have likely been a conversion or a custom job rather than a factory-produced model. Typically, Edsel passenger cars or station wagons would have been modified for such purposes.

The 1959 Edsel cars were available with a variety of V8 engines, including the 332 cubic inch "Express V8" and the 361 cubic inch "Super Express V8." These engines would have provided ample power for a tow truck application.

Options included a manual transmission or the "Teletouch" automatic transmission, which featured push-button controls located in the center of the steering wheel.

The designation "350" likely refers to a specific model or variant, though detailed records of Edsel tow trucks are sparse due to their rarity. It's important to note that Edsel did not produce commercial vehicles like tow trucks as part of their standard lineup. Any Edsel tow trucks were likely aftermarket conversions done by local garages or coachbuilders using Edsel station wagons or sedans as the base vehicle.

The Edsel brand is often remembered as one of the biggest failures in automotive history, but it has since gained a cult following among classic car enthusiasts. Its innovative features and unique design make it a sought-after collector's item.

Due to their limited production and unique place in automotive history, Edsels, including any tow truck conversions, are considered collectible. The rarity of a 1959 Edsel tow truck would make it a particularly interesting find for collectors.

The 1959 Edsel 350 tow truck is a fascinating example of automotive history, representing both the innovative spirit and the commercial challenges of the Edsel brand. While specific information on this model is limited due to its rarity and the likely custom nature of its creation, it stands as a unique piece of mid-20th century American automotive culture.

292 cubic-inch Y-block V-8 engine

193 horsepower

4-speed manual transmission

130-inch wheelbase

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