1959 Edsel Corsair news, pictures, and information

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Convertible

The Ford Motor Company introduced the Edsel brand in 1958, and had high hopes for its success. It was available in versions based on both the large Mercury and smaller Ford bodies. Unfortunately for Ford and Edsel, the brand was a commercial failure due to several reasons, such as a weak economy and sagging mid-priced cars sales.

For 1959, the Edsel line was simplified and the up-level Mercury-based models were no longer offered and prices were slashed. Unfortunately, this was too little, too late, as sales continued to fall from 68,045 in 1958 to 44,891 in model-year 1959. The Edsel line was quietly dropped before the end of the 1959 calendar year, after only a few 1960 models were assembled.

During its brief lifespan, the Edsel brand was able to acquire a cult following and became one of the first collectible cars of the Fifties. Even today they remain one of the most recognizable automobiles of all time.

This particular 1959 Edsel Corsair Convertible is painted in period iconic pink. It was originally from California and was purchased with many options including Edsel's biggest 1959 engine, the 361 cubic-inch, 303 horsepower 'Super Express' V8. Mated to the engine is a 'Dual-Power' three-speed automatic transmission. The base price without options was $3,072 and there were only 1,343 Edsel convertibles built in 1959.

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This car is completely Original with 16,366 miles. It is a trophy winner at Meadowbrook and East Coast Concours'. It was awarded the most original at National Edsel Meets. It was invited to the Concours d'Elegance of the Eastern United States in 1995 where it won the Most Authentic Post-1940 Award.

New, this Edsel with all its options, listed for $3,480.

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Convertible
Chassis Num: W9UR705884

This 1959 Edsel Corsair Convertible was offered for sale at the 2007 RM Auctions held at Meadow Brook. The car is powered by a 361 cubic-inch V8 engine that is capable of producing over 300 horsepower. The car has four-wheel hydraulic actuated drum brakes and a three-speed automatic transmission. The selling price was estimated to be between $50,000 - $70,000. There were only 1,343 examples produced of the Edsel Corsair Convertible with only few surviving in modern times. It has recently been treated to a mechanical restoration and is in excellent running condition.

For 1959, the Citation was the top-of-the-line Edsel vehicle. It was basically a Edsel Ranger with a more powerful engine and many amenities as standard equipment.

The Edsel Company had been formed by the Ford Motor Company as a line of vehicles that were to satisfy the thirst of many American buyers who wanted a high-powered, fully-equipped automobile. Sadly, the Edsel's were introduced when the economy was struck by a recession and the pool of potential buyers dwindled. The Edsel marque lasted only a few short years, ending after 1960.

This example is one of the few that remain and is in superb condition. The blue paint scheme is striking and the interior alluring. At auction, the bidding reached $55,000 and the car was sold.

The production lifespan of the Edsel Corsair lasted from 1958 through 1959. The Corsair was nearly the top-of-the-line Edsel for 1958 and featured many high-grade amenities and appointments. The Corsair was given stainless steel trim and deluxe wheel covers. It was offered in both a two-door or four-door hardtop and was powered by V8 engine that displaced 410 cubic-inches and produced 345 horsepower. Mated to the engine was an Edsel Teletouch automatic gearbox. The buttons were placed in the steering wheel hub which were easily accessible to drivers, especially those who enjoyed using their horn a lot.

Sadly, the entire Edsel production line never met favorably with the hopes of the Ford marque. The Corsair faired just the same with a total of 9,987 examples being produced in 1958. 3,632 were hardtop coupes and 6,335 were four-door hardtops. The cost of ownership for the Corsair ranged from $3,310 to $3,390.

The push-button transmission system was not used in 1959, as it had been too trouble-some in the prior year. The powerplant was also changed to a Ford 332 cubic-inch V8 engine mated to a standard three-speed manual gearbox. The Mile-O-Matic two-speed automatic gearbox was optional and served as a replacement for the Teletouch system. Total production for 1959 was 9,318 examples. Due to slow sales, the Corsair was discontinued.

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