Rare 1958 Edsel Villager Station Wagon Restomod

This 1958 Edsel Villager six-passenger station wagon, one of 2,054 such cars produced, has been transformed into a highly unusual restomod, with the seller stating that some $60,000 has been spent on mechanical and cosmetic refurbishment, including performance modifications to the powertrain. Despite the reported addition of some Bermuda model trim, the car is described as having never been repainted, and retaining a patina that includes hail dents on the hood. Among the upgrades are a switch to a modern three-speed automatic transmission. This Villager is powered by the FE 361-cu.in. OHV V-8. With a compression ratio of 10.5:1 and a four-barrel carburetor, the engine was rated by the manufacturer at 303 horsepower when new.- this Villager's original engine has been totally rebuilt with a wilder camshaft, exhaust headers, a larger four-barrel carburetor, and dual Flowmaster mufflers fitted, bringing output to an estimated 375 horsepower. - a completely rebuilt Ford C-6 three-speed automatic transmission has been installed, and the original rebuilt 2-speed transmission will be included in the sale.- the cost for the rebuild on the transmissions was $1,500 each. The engine is estimated to have been used for about 8,000 miles since the rebuild and no functional issues are noted with the transmission. The engine bay presents as being generally clean, per the provided photos. - this Villager wears its original paint with rusty surface patina, a few touched-up spots, and hail dents on the hood. The body seals and weatherstripping are reported to be new replacements, and both rockers have been replaced and repainted. - the Villager is equipped with a rare, factory roof rack. The glass is said to be original and free of cracks. All lighting is reported to be functional. The underside presents as being acceptably clean, per the photos, with what appears to be a differential leak - - the seating materials are entirely new and modified to include Texas cowhide inserts. The materials appear to be in very good, undamaged condition, in the photos. The Villager is reportedly optioned with a power front seat. The floorboards are presently fitted with rubber mats, which is correct for the model. - a bamboo headliner has been installed. - the instruments are fully functioning, except for an intermittent fuel gauge, and the factory radio is upgraded with modern AM/FM capability. The heater is said to be operable. The cargo area presents as being generally clean, per the images. -- this Villager completed a road trip from Idaho to southern California without issues. The springs, chassis bushings, shock absorbers, and brakes are reported to be new, with no functional issues, and a possible power steering leak is noted. The radial tires are estimated to have traveled 10,000 miles. The original rebuilt 2-speed transmission will be included in the sale. This low-production 1958 Edsel Villager six-passenger station wagon is said to have received an extensive restomod treatment.