This is the second nicely restored 1959 Edsel that I’ve written about this month. But this one is special because this top-of-the-line Corsair was both the most expensive Edsel you could buy in ’59 (with a base price of $3,072), and the lowest quantity produced. Only 1,343 Corsair Convertibles were assembled at Edsel’s Louisville, Kentucky plant for the 1959 model year. Who knows how many have survived, but probably not many. And this is one of the nicer ones still around.
Based on the photos, I’m not seeing any issues with the Edsel’s exterior. The Code F President Red paint is smooth and shiny, the newer power black convertible top is taut, the plastic back window is clear, and all of the chrome, trim, and glass looks great. The red wheel rims, period-correct whitewall tires, and full wheel covers help to complete the package. Speaking of wheel covers, if this ’59 Edsel was sporting the optional color-keyed “spinner” wheel covers, it would look even more stunning. The seller shares that the Edsel has a solid frame, a straight clean body, new shocks and exhaust, and has always been garage kept.
Edsel’s top-of-the-line Corsair interiors were described as using “luxurious finely-woven tapestry fabrics for sedans and hardtops, and all-vinyl fabrics in the Corsair Convertible.” With 1959 being a scaled-back year for the floundering Edsel, only three vinyl interior choices were available for the Corsair Convertible: Gold/White, Black/White/Silver, and the Trim Code 44 that you see here, the handsome Black/Red vinyl. The front bench seat vinyl could use some tightening up, but the rear seat looks perfect, and the black and chrome-trimmed instrument panel and black carpet look very good as well. This Edsel was ordered with several options including power steering and power brakes. Its “self-regulating” electric clock came standard on Corsairs.
Up front, the clean and tidy engine bay shows another plus for this Corsair. Although the 332-cubic-inch, 225-horsepower V8 was standard for Corsair and Villager station wagons, this red and black beauty has the optional Super Express 361-cubic-inch V8 that generated 303 horsepower at 4600 rpm. It’s mated to an automatic transmission and the mileage is listed as 53,567. The seller shares that he’s selling his ’59 Edsel Corsair Convertible due to health issues and that the price is $27,900.00 firm. It is currently located in Asbury, Pennsylvania, and is listed for sale here on craigslist. A big thank you to Roger for sending this rare Edsel our way. When was the last time you saw one of these?
Just wow. To answer your question, never. Edsels are pretty ugly but this one is a real beauty. Maybe it’s the color combo but this one really looks good. Good luck to whoever buys it.
Wow, no you rarely see one of these in the flesh, that’s for sure. Power steering and power brakes are a must in a car like this. Probably is one of the nicest examples for this year make and model.
The seller writes 352″ …?
I never cared for an Edsel, until this one!
I have passed on two 1959 Edsel 4door sedans at separate auctions by their original owners. Both were great, solid, original 4door cars, just never liked the looks. The 1958 was great, I loved the look. When I found a 1960 parked near home I was amazed. It looked like the front design was stolen from the ’59 and the rear from the ’60 Pontiacs. I thought they looked great. I was 17 at the time but still think its a shame the Edsel didn’t succeed.
Isn’t the 361 in this 59 Edsel an old Y block engine? It would be nice to have a 4bbl carb setup going on here. Later they would morph into the 390s.
My almost new Edsel had the 361 CI engine with 4 bbl. I’m pretty sure it was the same Big Block that was 332 and 352 in the Fords. Looked diff from a Y Block 272 -292. A good car , esp when almost new. ( And cheap ! )
If you are going to recover your seats please hire someone if you can’t make it right
No doubt, some things like upholstery, are better to pay the money to let a professional do it right. Maybe fine to do a truck bench seat yourself, but not a car like this one.