Serious Survivor: 19k-Mile 1959 Edsel Corsair 2-Door Hardtop
- March 01, 2021
- 19k Mile Survivor
- Original Paint & Interior
- In & Out of Storage for 38 Years
- Updated for Safer, More Enjoyable Driving
- 4-Way Power Front Seat
- V8 w/ 2-Speed Automatic Transmission
Ford Motor Company introduced the Edsel brand for the 1958 model year after having invested over $250 million in a new factory, market research, design and construction development, and advanced technology studies to produce the car that, according to Ford, everyone said they wanted. Packed with innovative technology and engineering, a combination of controversial styling and a serious economic recession for 1958 ensured the Edsel would have an uphill battle in sales. To boot, customers complained extensively of quality and reliability issues – the Edsel was an immediate problem child for Ford. Aimed at the mid-market segment to compete with the likes of Dodge, DeSoto, Pontiac, and Oldsmobile, Edsel also expected to press Lincoln more upmarket to better compete with Cadillac and Imperial. Sadly, the entire ambitious project slid very quickly downhill and sideways very quickly, and the last Edsel quietly rolled out of the assembly plant in ‘59 for the 1960 model, year before Ford closed the doors for good. Today, Edsels are still controversial cars carrying a love it or hate it stigma. We love the styling, and we dig any car that caused that much of a ruckus when it debuted.
This one, a 1959 Corsair 2-Door Hardtop, is a stunning survivor, and very were made for '59. Said to be wearing its original paint and upholstery, both appear stunningly, and the paint gleams despite its age, the brightwork, iconic grille, and so on shining like a mirror. Interestingly, this car was first purchased by a door-to-door Watkins Vanilla salesman in the Detroit area, and when he died, it stayed parked in the garage until his wife passed some 28 years later. The second owner bought it from her estate and kept it until 2018 when the seller bought it. Essentially, it’s been in a garage for about 38 years, accounting for the low miles. Ensuring a better driving experience, the seller has fortunately installed new brakes, tires, carburetor, battery, fuel pump, and given the car a complete tune up. Having put 500 miles on it going to shows, the seller claims it runs beautifully.
Edsels are not hard to find – in spite of their reputation, Ford built a fair number in ‘58 and ‘59, with the 1960 models being the lowest production examples and the hardest to find. Regardless, their reputation still thwarts their values against the likes of products from Ford, GM, and Chrysler. Many buyers would rather have something less controversial, which only leaves more for the rest of us. Let’s face it – it’s likely that in the past sixty years, most of whatever bugs people complained about have been ironed out of the remaining Edsels. Their styling is arguably terrific and wholly reminiscent of an optimistic 1950s America. Today, they’re still oddballs, but they offer a lot of fun and great conversations. Looking at auction sales, we’ve surprisingly seen more convertibles come up for sale than coupes, be we did see this fantastic 16k mile example sell at RM Auburn in 2018 for $23,650. Given this one’s story of extreme originality and tender loving care over the years, especially with the most recent ownership, we’ll call it well bought at this price.
