Showing just 28,500 believed-original miles, this Edsel is a rare example of the 1959 Corsair Convertible, with only 1,343 produced in the year that the Corsair was elevated to the premium-level Edsel with extra chrome and special luxury trim. This Corsair convertible is powered by the optional Super Express V-8, a 361 CI powerplant with 4-barrel carburetion and 9.6:1 compression ratio for 303 HP and 390 lb-ft of torque. The Corsair is also equipped with automatic transmission and dual exhaust, which was standard for the convertible in 1959. White with aqua trim, the convertible is also nicely equipped with air conditioning, power steering and brakes, a tinted windshield, dual mirrors, power top, Town and Country radio, power windows, power seat, dual external spotlights and the attractive wheel combination of wide whitewall radial tires and factory wheel covers. The car also comes with a convertible-boot cover and spare tire with jack in the trunk. Although introduced as new from the Ford division just one year earlier in 1958, the Edsel lineup saw substantial changes for 1959. The Corsair originally shared its body with the Mercury-based Citation, but moved to the smaller Ford-based Ranger body in 1959. And with the elimination of 1958’s Citation, the Corsair became Edsel’s premium model and was offered as a convertible for the first time. For 1959, Ford toned down the Edsel’s unconventional 1958 styling by revising the distinctive but controversial “horse collar” vertical front grille into more of a Ford-like version with horizontal bars, switching to Lincoln Continental tail lights and redesigning the dashboard more like regular Fords. Although the Edsel line lasted only three years, the remaining Edsels today are considered a unique slice of American automotive history and are supported by enthusiast clubs, registries and websites.
