Summary

This vehicle was modified in 2016 by Roush. Powered by a 361ci V8 engine and a period-correct automatic transmission. From the personal collection of Edsel B. Ford II, the grandson of Edsel Ford, for whom the vehicle was named.

Details

This 1958 Edsel Bermuda was modified in 2016 by Roush from a steering column-shifted manual transmission to an automatic transmission that utilized the same steering column configuration, along with several minor repairs. The 361ci V8 engine was removed to repair several minor cracks in the front frame rails. While out, the exhaust manifolds were replaced as the old ones were cracked. The carburetor was rebuilt, the distributor vacuum advance was replaced, the engine was painted the appropriate yellow and a new ignition system was added for reliable operation. The frame was found to have a few age-related cracks, which were easily repaired, and was painted black as appropriate. Several areas of the floor pan needed replacing to assure solid body panels, then paint and heat insulation were added as appropriate. The original manual transmission was replaced with a 3-speed period-correct automatic transmission. This required several other items to be changed: The three pedals inside the car were converted to the period-correct 2-pedal system appropriate for the automatic transmission and transmission oil cooler lines were installed. The steering column was modified to accept the transmission control linkage and PRNDL indicator. The exhaust system was modified to fit the automatic transmission package and a new driveshaft was designed and built to accommodate it. A new transmission control linkage was fabricated to connect the steering column linkage to the new transmission. The rear axle was rebuilt with new seals, bushings and brakes. The interior was upgraded by adding heat shielding, new carpeting and seam sealing. The seats and door panels were refreshed to like-new appearance and many interior components were repainted. The dash panel gauges were cleaned, painted or polished as required, the radio and amplifier were repaired, seat belts installed for added safety and a new headliner was added. A new battery was installed, the sending unit in the gas tank was updated as well as some of the wiring associated. The voltage regulator was replaced as well as some of the age and heat-related under-hood wiring harnesses. This Bermuda comes from the personal collection of Edsel B. Ford II, the grandson of Edsel Ford, for whom the vehicle was named. The vehicle is autographed by Edsel B. Ford II as well.