scicala
Well-known member
OK, thanks. my blind eyes see it now. Still confused since the brochure is labeled Ford engines available in 1958. Why is the 361 in the brochure, since it's only available in the Edsel in 1958 ?
Sal
390 in a 58 wagon?
- Thread starter Rmvr53
- Start date
OK, thanks. my blind eyes see it now. Still confused since the brochure is labeled Ford engines available in 1958. Why is the 361 in the brochure, since it's only available in the Edsel in 1958 ?
Sal
KULTULZ
Well-known member
The 361 was introduced with the FORD version EDSEL
The only way it was offered in FORD US was as a POLICE only option.
FORD of CANADA had the 361 in lieu (Fr.) of the 352.
Now...
The 360 LT (Light Truck) was introduced in 1968 to replace the 352 as FORD only had to now cast one block for the 360/390. The 361HD FT was already in production starting in 1964.
I showed the incorrect 1958 AD (shown to verify 361). The one shown was POLICE only. This PASS CAR AD should give you the idea.
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KULTULZ
Well-known member
Hey, you are more than welcome.
I hope I explained it a little more clearly this go-around.
What strikes me is that FORD had the basis for the 390 in 1958. What did they have up their sleeve if they hadn't complied with the HP ban?
Sources inside Ford insist McNamara effectively killed the Edsel before the first car had even been sold, deliberately letting slip at its launch the car would be discontinued. The day after the first Edsel went on sale in 1957, McNamara was made a group vice-president responsible for all FoMoCo cars and trucks, and sure enough he began hacking away the division’s budget almost immediately. Within months he had reduced Edsel’s future product plans to little more than a different grille for 1960 Fords. From a old Motor trend article, McNamara didn't have time for performance only bottom line
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scicala
Well-known member
That's very interesting and kind of makes sense considering how the Edsel deteriorated after 1958 as far as features and engine line up. Especially in 1960 when they basicly used Ford sheet metal instead of a unique Edsel body. I'm sure sales had some to do with it and bad press (aka fake news).
Sal
KULTULZ
Well-known member
True about McNAMARA.
There was also quality concerns as most EDSELS were assembled on the same lines as FORD and MERC causing confusion. The 59 was based on the FORD chassis only and 1960 production was cut very early.
MEL was shut down and LINC-MERC went into a single division, MERC then received FORD power.
There was also one hell of a depression 58/59. I remember that well as my father was laid off from the railroad (steam to diesel).
There was also quality concerns as most EDSELS were assembled on the same lines as FORD and MERC causing confusion. The 59 was based on the FORD chassis only and 1960 production was cut very early.
MEL was shut down and LINC-MERC went into a single division, MERC then received FORD power.
There was also one hell of a depression 58/59. I remember that well as my father was laid off from the railroad (steam to diesel).