1959 Edsel Corsair Convertible

On September 4th of 1957 and fueled by the largest advance marketing campaign ever undertaken for an automotive launch, the public witnessed the introduction of Ford's all-new Edsel brand. Sadly, the Edsel brand would not enjoy the success anticipated, as sales were rather disappointing. Slow sales coupled with a sharp recession and a surge in gas prices prompted consumers to crave smaller, more fuel-efficient compact cars. In late 1959, the production of the Edsel automobile came to a close.

For 1959, Edsel produced just 1,343 examples of their Corsair Convertible. This example is one of those rare cars, and it is a relatively late-production example. It was completed at the Louisville, Kentucky Edsel assembly line on April 1, 1959, and carried a base price of $3,072.

In 1996, this car was given a restoration and then acquired by the current owner in late 1998. The new owner undertook a major freshening of the car, resulting in an AACA national Junior and Senior award in 1999.

The car is Snow White with Aqua accents and a white convertible top. Inside, there is a two-tone Aqua vinyl interior. Under the bonnet is a 'Super Express' 361 cubic-inch V-8 engine offering 303 horsepower. There is a Dual Drive three-speed automatic transmission and a 2.91:1 rear end. Factory options include backup lights, a Lever-Temp heater, power brakes, power steering, power windows, a signal-seeking radio, and tinted glass. The factory-installed air-conditioning is a particularly rare original option.

In 2011, this car was offered for sale at the Amelia Island Auction presented by RM Auctions. The car was estimated to sell for $70,000 - $90,000 and was offered without reserve. As bidding came to a close, the car had been sold for the sum of $63,250 including the buyer's premium.

By Daniel Vaughan | Apr 2011