1958 Edsel Corsair

For consignment, the car that has become synonymous with the word failure. Hold on though due to the fact it was so unpopular, and most people hated it, not too many were sold so there are not many around. This debut year model of the Corsair was on a wider platform and had plenty of interior room. Check out this rare bird!

Exterior
Its the vertical grille that emulates either a horse collar or the feminine mystique leading the way on this 50's piece of Detroit iron. Horizontally aligned dual headlights float above the horizontal egg crate split grille that frames the vertical grille on either side. A big split bumper gives way in the center to you guessed it, the vertical grille! A wrap around windshield framed in stainless steel is looking nice and very late 50's. The slab sides of this car as well as the hood and trunk are all bathed in Royal Blue Metallic. A trim spear is on the front quarters and runs to the end of the doors where it meets up with the white rocket blast panel. Some contrasting Frost White is seen as a rocket blast from the past in the rear quarters, and of the roofline. In back the rear glass also curves around to the B pillars and has a large stainless-steel trimming on its top and bottom. A slight overhang is also seen on the top edge of this glass. Like two thin spread wings, the taillights are on the edge of the trunk lid and extend to the top edges of the rear quarters. Stylized triangular trimmings are under the spread winged taillights. A large bumper which thins in its center hangs off the back of this car. Chromed dish wheels are wrapped by thin white walls, and all is looking like beauty in the eye of the beholder for this example. Rust bubbling is noted under the paint on the front of the hood.

Interior
Speaking of 50s styling, it continues in earnest with the interior and a swing of the doors. Here we see town tone blue with a seafoam blue on the pleated vinyl top and a smooth panel below in light blue which has a molded armrest. The handles are dulling as is the door lock slider and panel in the center of the door top. On the bottom is an aluminum trim panel and it's a bit wavy. The inside seating reveals some newly covered split back benches with lighter blue vinyl bolsters and blue tweed broadcloth just a bit darker for the inserts. A like new white headliner and darker blue carpeting shows up. I feel like this car may have an identity crisis with all the shades of blue seen on all the different surfaces. The original two-tone blue dash is showing in rough condition with pitting, bubbling, plastic toggles melted away and a plethora of chipped paint and a fair share of dirt. We have to give an A for effort though as it is futuristic with its highlight being the flying saucer styled speedometer. Round and round she goes! The original radio is in the dash center, and fronting is another piece of technology not gone far with the steering wheel with thick spokes and the pushbutton transmission in the center hub of this wheel.

Drivetrain
Under the forward flipping hood is an unrestored 410ci V8 that has a single 4-barrel carburetor on top. A Cruise-O-Matic 3 speed automatic is the Tele touch version previously mentioned with the steering wheel hub action. On the back is a Ford 9-inch 2.91 rear axle.

Undercarriage
Underneath looking quite good with very little surface rust, solid frame and rockers as well as floor pans. Some exterior and bottom rot on the rockers can be noted throughout the sides where they greet the frame. This car sports drum braking all around as well as independent front suspension and rear leaf springs.

Drive-Ability
The car fired up and off to the test track I went. It ran smoothly and has some lumbering handling and braking needs to be planned ahead of time. The odometer was nonfunctional, the speedometer did not work (disappointed, I wanted to see it spin) and the radio produced no sound.

I'd say quite the project to fill your hands with but in the end you will own a rare example, and be able to tool around looking like the quintessential 50's suburban family styling. Boop Boop Be Doop!

VIN DECODE
X8SW707417
X-410ci V8 4bbl
8-1958
S-Somerville, MA Assy Plant
W-Corsair 2 Door Hardtop
707417-Sequential Unit Number

WARRANTY TAG
BODY 63A-Corsair 2 Door Hardtop
COLOR HEE-Royal Blue Metallic, Frost White
TRIM B-Blue Vinyl & Cloth
DATE 13J-September 13th Build
TRANS 4-Push Button 3 Speed Automatic
AXLE A-Ford 9: 2.91 Conventional

Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special interest automobile showroom, featuring over 600 vehicles for sale with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914. Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.