Oonagh Charleton meets a man for whom, unlike the Ford Motor Company, the name Edsel remains sweet.
Classic car enthusiasts have a lot in common. One of the similarities is that each and every owner has passion for their vehicle that would make any romance look dull. Another is a pre-occupation with how many people can fit into the boot of their car.
Fergus Noonan can definitely fit himself and five others into the trunk of his 1959 Ford Edsel Ranger not withstanding a few extras.
Described by critics as looking like an "Oldsmobile sucking on a lemon", the Edsel has had a tough life. With big 345 horsepower engines, it was designed to provide power and speed, complete with gadgets for every occasion.
Fergus has wanted to own one since he was about four years old. "I saw one on TV when I was about four," he grins, "and they were just not around in my lifetime. I finally got the money together three years ago and found one for sale in Lancashire.
"It hasn't needed any work since I bought it," he says. "Everything is original - the way it was. I've done a service, of course - spark plugs, filters, oil change - but other than basic engine work, she's completely original."
Noonan's Edsel Ranger is a 4,900 cc basic model with power steering, rear leaf springs and all-round drum brakes.
One of his favourite features is the valve radio. Like an old style television set, it has to heat up before you can tune in.
The Edsel is covered in chrome, fins and it has an extraordinary front grille. It gets reactions everywhere he goes. "I get jaw drops when I drive around," he says smiling. "Then the questions - 'what is it?' Nobody ever knows what it is. Even though Edsel is written on the side."
The Edsel was designed in 1954 and enormous amounts of cash were invested in sales teams, forward planning strategists, advertising and image maintenance.
The business end of things ended in sheer disaster with losses in excess of $250 million. In the aftermath, the name Edsel itself was given much of the blame.
Called after Edsel Ford, Henry Ford's son, the name meant nothing to the American public and despite attempts to call it "intelligent bullet" and "mongoose civique", it was christened the Edsel in 1956.
Sales were not helped by the 1958 recession and Ford admitted towards the end that, after selling just over 100,000, it would have saved more money giving 110,000 cars away.
While Fergus knows his pride and joy hasn't had the most glorious life, to him it's best described in one word: unique.
"When I have her out on the motorway, my arm is on the windowsill and I'm the king," he beams. The car's next biggest fan is his little daughter, Niamh, who goes everywhere the Edsel goes. With only three known Edsels in Ireland, they are distinctively valuable and rare.
Parts are not that hard to come by as Fords are quite versatile but accessories are always a problem for American classic owners.
What does it drive like? "She drives like a boat," he confesses. "It's like driving on water, swaying to and fro, up and down. It's mechanically perfect - that's just the way she drives."
The interior is incredible - with typical American spaciousness, long uninterrupted front and rear seats and sitting-room carpeting.
A Mk 1 Ford Escort was one of his first cars, followed by a Mk 1 Cortina and joint ownership of an old Plymouth Fury. Selling the Edsel, for the moment, is not an option but if a particular Caddy came on scene, who knows?
If money were no object, what would his ultimate car be? "A 1959 Cadillac Coupé De Ville Eldorado Burritz convertible," he rhymes off impressively. "There was one around for sale a couple of months ago - he was looking for £67,000 sterling for it."
The Edsel may not have been much appreciated in the 1950s but remaining models are indeed looked upon as treasures, this Ranger included. So with his leather jacket close to hand, Jim Reeves on the little valve radio, Fergus is quite literally well set for his next cruise.