1958 Edsel Ranger Sedan

The Edsel was a brand of cars (technically separate from Ford) introduced in 1958. Ford worked hard on this new Edsel and claimed it was both revolutionary and modern. However, someone forgot to tell the developers, who made a large, chrome-slathered car that seemed to be stuck in the past. By the late 1958, though the biggest fins were still to come, people were shying away from cars like the Edsel, and its hideous vertical grill didn't help. Today, however, the Edsel is the ultimate in 50s cool. The rear lights, the split bumpers, and even the font on the badges are all just so 50s. And this base Ranger looks great in baby blue with matching rims.

 

 

 

 

Shades of the Pacer and Citation?

2012 Chevrolet Cruze Z11 3-door pillarless hatchback—Um, that would be the AMC Pacer and the Chevy Citation, not the Edsel Pacer and Citation! Not readily apparent in this view is the fact that the passenger door on my 3-door Cruze would be 4-inches wider than the driver's door, just like the AMC Pacer. This would be a marketing decision to help counteract Hyundai's new Veloster, which has two doors on the passenger side and only one on the driver's side. The Chevy Citation reference is in the name, Z11 for the sports model illustrated. Chevy's first foray into front-wheel drive, the 1980 X-body Citation came in an X11 sport configuration, but since Chevy now has the Corvette ZR1 and the soon-to-be-released Camaro ZL1, I thought the "Z" precursor was more relevant to Chevy's 21st century than "X." Also note Chevy's now-traditional twin grille has been eliminated for a smoother appearance, slightly lowering the hood in the process. Original photo was the concept car of the upcoming Cruze 5-door hatchback.