The recipe for creating a good car is surprisingly straightforward. A manufacturer must create a vehicle with styling that is, at least, inoffensive. It must sell at a competitive price, and the build quality must be acceptable to the buying public. However, producing a lemon is far more complicated, as Ford proved with its failed Edsel experiment. The company tore up millions of dollars on its unsuccessful program, although cars that were largely unloved for decades now enjoy a strong following. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Gunter K for spotting this 1958 Edsel Corsair because it is a gem. It is an unrestored survivor that presents well. It runs and drives, and with an odometer reading of 25,000 genuine miles, it should offer its new owner years of faithful service. The Edsel is listed here on Craigslist in Kimberling City, Missouri. The seller’s price of $16,700 makes it tempting for an enthusiast seeking an affordable and practical classic.
I’m sure that every reader has embarked upon an activity that seemed like a good idea at the time but ultimately ended in failure. However, it is unlikely that any of those endeavors will cost you $250 million because that is what the Edsel program cost Ford. The theory was sound, but the execution was less so. The company targeted the market sector between its Ford and Mercury range with an entirely new marque, planning to compete head-to-head with Chrysler and General Motors by having a fourth marque in its arsenal. The first issue was timing, with the Edsel released during a financial recession. The range exceeded the original price projections, and the overlap between the Edsel and Mercury models undermined potential sales. The quality control was well below expectations, and the styling was controversial. Having said that, I have always liked the appearance of the 1958 models. They aren’t the automotive equivalent of the Mona Lisa, but their appearance is undeniably bold and daring. This 1958 Edsel Corsair rolled off the line during the first production year, finished in an attractive combination of Turquoise and Frost White. The paint is the first significant point worth considering because the seller claims it is original. The overall presentation is particularly noteworthy if that is the case. It retains an impressive shine, and any flaws or defects are too minor to warrant a cosmetic refresh. The panels are as straight as an arrow, and this beauty is rust-free. The chrome and glass look surprisingly good for their age, and the steel wheels with their color-coded spinner hubcaps and whitewalls add the perfect finishing touch.
The originality of this Edsel continues when we turn our attention to its interior. The carpet looks slightly faded, but that is the only item deserving criticism. The Green and White cloth and vinyl trim look excellent, with no wear or stains. Examining the photos leaves me wondering whether anyone has used the back seat because it is perfect. The dash is spotless, and there is only mild wheel wear. Ford brought a few gimmicks to the table with the Edsel, with all cars featuring a cool rotating drum speedometer rather than a traditional dial or “strip.” This car adds an AM radio to the mix, along with the quirky “Teletouch” shifter buttons in the wheel center.
It is disappointing that the seller supplied no engine photos, although we know this car features its original 410ci “E475” V8, producing 345hp and 475 ft/lbs of torque. Shifting duties are completed by a three-speed automatic transmission, allowing the Corsair to cover the ¼-mile in 16.2 seconds on its way to 123mph. Those figures are pretty impressive, considering this car tips the scales at 4,410 lbs. The seller claims it has a genuine 25,000 miles on the clock, although they don’t mention verifying evidence. However, the overall condition makes the claim plausible if it is a true survivor. They state that it runs and drives, but they provide no insight into how well it achives either feat. Posing questions on that subject would be worthwhile before committing the funds to this classic.
The Edsel experiment was a financial disaster for Ford, and the quality control issues experienced by buyers made it a public relations disaster. Edsel sold 9,192 examples of the Corsair during the first year, with 5,880 people selecting the 4-door variant. However, that was as good as it got. Sales plunged in 1959 before the company closed its doors and scrapped the program. No single factor caused its demise because Edsel faced a perfect storm of issues that made failure almost inevitable. A once unloved brand is now considered desirable, and the seller’s price for this Corsair looks highly competitive if their claims can be validated. It has only been on the market a few days, and I won’t be surprised if someone throws caution to the wind and hands over the cash to drive it home. Are you tempted?
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