1958 Edsel Corsair

During the mid-1950s, Ford had a vast lineup, needing only a mid-priced car to fill out its nameplate's range. The solution was the Edsel brand, which skillfully blended Ford and Mercury features to fill the niche between the two nameplates. Buyers were able to customize their cars through a vast array of options, accessories, and trim upgrades.

With the introduction of the Edsel brand in 1958, Ford created an entirely new organization to handle its marketing and sales, and over 1,000 dealers signed up in advance. The public launch on September 4th, 1957, introduced the 'roadblock' advertising techniques; Edsel ads were shown on all three broadcast television networks simultaneously.

Perhaps even better known than its spectacular introduction was the company's demise. Barely two years later, the last Edsel left the production line. This earnestly and elaborately planned attempt to fill in Ford's range had nearly destroyed the Ford Motor Company.

The 1958 Edsel model line consisted of the Ranger, Pacer, Corsair, and Citation. Bodystyles of the Corsair included a two- and four-door hardtop. They had similar appearances to Mercurys (Both the Corsair and Citation shared many components with the 1958 Mercury) with a longer footprint, unique roof styling, wraparound backlight, and Corsair identification. The horse collar center grille housed the Edsel block lettering.

Both the Corsair and Citation were powered by an eight-cylinder, overhead-valve, 410 cubic-inch engine offering 345 horsepower. It was mated to a three-speed automatic transmission with a push-button Teletouch Drive. The front suspension was independent of coil springs. In the back was a live axle with semi-elliptical leaf springs. Hydraulic-actuated brakes were located at all four corners. Standard equipment included courtesy lights on the instrument panel, two coat hooks, chromed inside rearview mirror, a white vinyl headliner, color-keyed floor carpeting, a cigarette lighter, ashtrays, and front and rear armrests.

The two-door hardtop had a base price of $3,300, while the four-door version sold for nearly $3,400. A total of 3,312 examples of the two-door and 5,880 of the four-door were built.

by Dan Vaughan

Hardtop Sedan

This car is equipped with the 'E475' Engine (Edsel engines were the only engines to have torque rating on rocker arm covers), 410 cubic-inch, 345 horsepower, 475 ft-lbs of torque. There is a 'Teletouch' Pushbutton gear selector. Features include tubeless tires, self-adjusting brakes, and signal-seeking radio. The car is a four-door hardtop and there were 6,355 produced, with an original base price of $3,390.

The car has had four previous owners. Mr. Henrich purchased this car in Chicago, IL in the fall of 1999. First in Class 2005 International Edsel Club Rally Bowling Green, KY: First place 2008 Edsel Rally Cleveland, TN, Numerous top 50 awards at local car shows.

The restoration was completed as budget allowed, the drive-train was first in 2000, followed by suspension in 2002, and lastly the body and chrome in 2005.

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 a 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 was easily accessible to drivers, especially those who enjoyed using their horns 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 troublesome 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.

by Dan Vaughan