1959 Edsel Corsair 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 car 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 the 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.