1958 Edsel Pacer Series B news, pictures, and information

The all-new 1958 Edsel was launched on September 4, 1957, as a product of the Edsel Division of Ford Motor Company. The Edsel was created at the behest of Henry who wanted a greater presence in the mid-price field. Product wide, the car was on par or better with most of its competition. In the power department, its 361 cubic-inch, 303 horsepower engine with a four-barrel carburetor was the standard engine, no two-barrel economy motor here.

In the 50s, push buttons were all the rage so what could be better than a push button transmission in the steering wheel! That was a first in the industry as was the self-adjusting brakes. The Edsel styling view from the side was clean and not overdone in chrome trim, and from the rear it was also pretty nice. But not everyone liked the vertical grill at a time when all cars were into a horizontal theme. The September 1957 introduction date fell right in with the economic downturn that took a big bite out of the mid-price market and started the Edsel on its way to doom. This example is one of 1,876 Pacer convertibles built for 1958. The colors are chalk pink and jet black - now that is 1950 for sure!

Contrary to popular belief, the Edsel wasn't a complete disaster. The Ford designers had created a car that was distinctive and recognizable. The vertical grille was intended to be a modern interpretation of the classic tall radiators of the past. The Edsel designers purposely used less chrome. Pacer models included basic interiors built on a smaller wheelbase chassis with a smaller V-8 engine. All Edsels had features that were popular in the 1950's. An option on all models was a push-button transmission. The Edsel designers had updated the idea by placing the buttons in the center of the steering wheel. Other options included tri-color paint, a compass, an inside-outside thermometer, a tachometer, and a windshield washer.

Collection of Chuck Parnell

Source - SDAM

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Convertible

In 1958, Ford finally launched their long rumored, new mid-range Edsel, giving them a five marque lineup, comparable to GM. Unfortunately, sales failed to take off partly because of a national recession that led to a sag in the mid-price market. The other reason cited for the Edsel's lack of sales was the car's controversial styling. Although less radical than expected, critics described the new vertical grille as resembling a 'horse collar.' This turquoise Pacer convertible features the 303hp E-400 engine and a pushbutton automatic transmission in the steering wheel.

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Edsel: 1951-1960

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