Horse Collar Grill: 1959 Edsel Corsair
The Merkur wasn’t the first time FoMoCo thought they needed something to slot either between Ford and Mercury or Mercury and Lincoln sedans. In today’s automotive climate, that’s a bit like going to the deli and asking for something between White American and American pre-wrapped cheese slices. The real story is a little more complicated than that but is a cautionary tale that the consumer has the last word. Find this 1959 Edsel Corsair for sale in Cape Coral, FL for $5,500 via craigslist. Tip from dascpcu.
In the Edsel lineup, the Corsair was 2nd rung from the top on a ladder of 4 steps. Even within the marque, there were enough variants to confuse buyers. With all trim intact and no visible rust this sure seems like a lot of car for the price. Initially unloved cars like the Edsel, Pacer, Yugo, and Gremlin have yet to have their values reflect their significance in American automotive history. This is what is likely making Edsels, Ramblers, and Studebakers phenomenal classic car bargains these days.
There were a plethora of engine options in Edsels but the FE (Ford-Edsel) series of motors were always optional, this one being the ‘Edsel 400’ which was actually a 303hp, 361cid V8. For better or for worse, copper has been replaced by aluminum for the radiator so hopefully she runs cool. Both this, the floor mats, and the center console point to this car actually being used which is quite reassuring.
Sadly, this car isn’t equipped with the optional Teletouch horn button mounted shift selector. There’s nothing like dropping a few F-bombs at your fellow motorists while going for the horn and slamming your car into park at 40mph. The interior looks to be in very good shape and still retaining original materials, aside from a few auto parts store doo-dads.
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Matt, a self-proclaimed bottom-feeder of the classic car market, spends half of his time buying cars, half of his time retrieving them, and the remaining third on keeping them on the road.
The 59 Edsels have really grown on me. I used to think the 58s were cool because they were so quirky, especially the Bermuda wagon. However now I think the 59 is a lot closer to an actual good looking car, with the added bonus of being a bizarro orphan brand, with common Ford parts underneath. The 59 has that long, low, wide look that Chrysler owned in the late 50s, but without going over the top. The 1960 Edsels just look sad, because they are obviously badge engineered Fords and not nearly as cohesive.
I kinda like the bug eyed look of the '58's. Like you said, aside from the kickass taillights on the '60's, they're super boring.
Hope Trump was not thinking of this when he talks about making America great again.