Dataplate specifications
Bermuda, 4-door 9-passenger wagon, Charcoal Brown Metallic with Driftwood
Driftwood vinyl/jug cloth interior

361cid E-400 V8, Teletouch automatic transmission, 3.22:1 axle ratio
Edsel number 700779 manufactured in San Jose, CA on August 9, 1957

Information as of:  August 2012

Owner:   unknown (online auction car)
Location:   Orangevale, California
Owned since:   2003

Mileage:   61,472
Condition:   Drives short distances, needs restoration
Originality:   Stock

Accessories included:   Teletouch Automatic Transmission, Town & Country Radio, Power Brakes, Whitewall Tires, Wheel Covers, Tachometer, Roof Rack (removed)

Notes:
I bought this from a famed San Francisco-based Edsel restorer who has restored several beautiful Bermudas including a Jonquil Yellow one I used to own.  He decided to restore another Citation convertible and sold me this wagon back in 2003.  It turns out I had too many projects too, so off she goes to another lucky owner.

I have a note from (let’s call him Ted) that he replaced the radiator, radiator cap, belts, and thermostat.  He replaced the starter and power steering hoses, the master cylinder, power brake booster, headlights, and fuel pump.
He also put in a new exhaust system, and boiled and sealed the gas tank.  There was a Teletouch problem (push button transmission) when “Ted” wanted to sell it to me.  I told him I wouldn’t buy it that way, so he promptly swapped out the steering column (which he said was the problem) and it has worked perfectly ever since.  The column is blue though, and you will want to paint it as you restore it.

The California title is clear.  I’ve owned 10 to 12 Bermudas in my time and (as far as rust) this one is very unique.  The floors are shot.  The driver’s front floor has some holes (you can see sunlight).  The front passenger side is covered with matting but you should assume it needs replacing.  But the rest of the car seems free of anything but surface rust.  The quarter panels and rocker panels appear good.  The fenders at the base of the wheel well are solid.  The spare tire well is solid.  This wagon has terrible floors but no other significant rust.

I took it to my mechanic a few years back to get her going again and I drove her home but I think the wagon needs an oil pump.  It runs and idles but I don't think the oil is being circulated to where it needs to go in the engine.  I cleaned up the car this weekend and it fired right up. I drove it the 50 yards to where you will see it now.  The brake pedal is up, working and in place.
A flat glass piece need replacing on the driver’s side wagon hatch area.  The windshield has a 3/4“ hole, and it has some surface scratches that may buff out (I don’t know).  A restorer will want to replace it eventually anyway.
The gas pedal is broken off, but I just did a backyard fix on it to get it back to 'somewhat' functional.  The wagon has power seats which don't seem to work (but I hear the switch engage), a tachometer that doesn't register (cable?), and a Town-and-Country radio that may work (especially with an antenna).  It’s nicely equipped for a wagon.  It has a new/repro hood ornament.  It also comes with a radio antenna, and the front door locks (not installed).

A super bonus is that it comes with enough of the original rear decking material (in the correct brown) to cover the rear deck when you’re ready for that.
I don’t know how accurate the 61,472 miles on the odometer is.  There used to be a roof rack, but not anymore.  There are about 16 tiny little screw holes that you or your body man will have to fill in.  Rain has never been through those holes and no rust is in the drip rails.  The roof was originally painted Charcoal Brown Metallic – same color as the body – but it was changed at one time, probably very early on.  The scallop is supposed to be Driftwood (and probably still is but it faded).  The bottom line is, this is a very rare car in pretty decent shape – and well worth saving.  This one was in the back of my garage/barn and I actually forgot how many positive features and aspects this car has going for it.  Please buy it before I change my mind and keep it.  Thinking around a $6,500 buy-it-now price.