Image of 1959 Edsel Corsair, sourced from en.wikipedia.org , Image Link.

Introduction

The 1959 Edsel Corsair emerged onto the automotive scene as a symbol of optimism during an era of American excess. Born from the ambitious minds at Ford Motor Company, the Corsair was intended to redefine the mid-priced car market. Despite its infamous reputation and short-lived production, the Edsel Corsair has become a quintessential piece of Americana. A notable moment in its history was the anticipation surrounding its heavily marketed "E-Day"—the release date that Ford proclaimed would be an unforgettable event in automotive history.

Design and Innovation

The exterior styling of the 1959 Edsel Corsair was both bold and controversial. Its most distinguishing feature was the vertical grille, often likened to a "horse collar," which was flanked by dual headlights and pronounced tailfins—a hallmark of '50s design. Inside, the Corsair boasted a spacious cabin with plush seating and an array of color-coordinated fabrics and trims. The Teletouch automatic transmission, controlled by push-buttons in the center of the steering wheel, was a technological marvel of its time. Color options ranged from single-tone paints to dramatic two-tones, with names like President Red and Ice Green capturing the exuberance of the era. The Corsair was available in several body styles, with the convertible being among the most iconic.

Historical Significance

The Edsel brand's journey is a tale of ambition clashing with reality. The Corsair's unique features and design elements set it apart from its contemporaries but also contributed to its downfall. It became a case study in marketing missteps and consumer demand misjudgment. However, its bold design has since been reevaluated by enthusiasts and historians alike, recognizing it as a significant chapter in automotive evolution.

Performance and Handling

Underneath its distinctive hood lay a V8 engine capable of delivering respectable performance for its time, with top speeds that could reach over 100 mph and acceleration from 0-60 mph in just under 10 seconds. The ride quality was typical for the era: soft and smooth on straightaways but less composed on winding roads or over bumps. Driving a Corsair was an experience filled with character—from the throaty rumble of its engine to the tactile feedback through its large steering wheel.

Ownership Experience

The Edsel Corsair found use in various roles from daily transportation to weekend showpiece. Maintenance could be challenging due to unique parts like the Teletouch system, but mechanical components shared with other Ford models eased repair concerns somewhat. Reliability issues did plague some aspects of ownership, reflecting Ford's rush to bring Edsel to market.

Fun Facts

The Corsair's legacy includes tales of rare editions such as dealer-upgraded versions with performance enhancements. Celebrity ownerships added allure to its story, while records—unfortunately for slow sales—cemented its place in history books. Criticisms often centered around its polarizing design and questionable reliability at launch.

Collector's Information

Today, surviving 1959 Edsel Corsairs are treasured pieces in collections worldwide. Estimates suggest that fewer than 10,000 were produced across all body styles, making them relatively rare finds. Values vary widely based on condition and originality; well-preserved models can fetch anywhere from $20,000 to over $50,000 at auction or private sale, showing signs that appreciation is likely for these unique vehicles.

Conclusion

The 1959 Edsel Corsair stands as a monument to a bygone era of automotive ambition and serves as a reminder that innovation is not without risk. Its story is one of dreams, disappointments, and ultimately redemption as it finds new life among classic car aficionados who appreciate its unique place in history.

1959 Edsel Corsair Mirror Pad. 1-3/8" wide X 7-1/4" long. Each-MP 780-EMirror Pad. 1-3/8" wide X 7-1/4" long. Each

1959 Edsel Corsair Antenna Pad. 1-5/8" wide X 3-5/8" long. Each-MP 780-FAntenna Pad. 1-5/8" wide X 3-5/8" long. Each