Vehicle Description
This 1958 Edsel Citation Convertible is an ultra rare 50s
convertible that underwent a recent cosmetic restoration and is
ready to roll! In the late 1940s, America's automobile market was
dominated by the Big Three automakers, General Motors, Chrysler,
and Ford. Of the Big Three, the Ford Motor Company had the least
number of distinct marques with GM producing five (Chevrolet,
Pontiac, Oldsmobile, Buick, and Cadillac) and Chrysler producing
four (Dodge, Plymouth, Desoto, and Chrysler), compared to Ford's
three (Ford, Mercury, and Lincoln). This deficit was an issue for
Ford because it was losing out on sales to its Big Three
competitors who could more easily upsell into higher priced, better
trimmed makes and models. Despite a brief hiatus from its efforts
to bolster it coverage across the automobile market due to the
Korean War, Henry Ford II directed the Ford Motor Company in 1955
to establish Ford's Special Products Division which in turn began
developing a car with the code name of the "E-Car." Ford tasked the
E-Car's designers to create a car that was so recognizable that it
could be identified from a block away. Ultimately, in 1956, the
"E-Car" Special Products Division become the Edsel Division, named
after Henry II's father Edsel Ford. After several delays, the new
Edsels were debuted to the public in late August 1957 and were
offered for sale starting on September 4, 1957, with nearly 4,000
reportedly sold that day. Ultimately, perhaps due in part to poor
timing, with the onset of an economic recession in 1958, the Edsel
brand was short-lived with production lasting a mere 3 years
despite the early excitement. The first Edsels were comprised of
four escalating series, the entry-level Ranger and Pacer, the
intermediate Corsair, and the top-of-the-line Citation, with
convertibles being offered in only two of those, the Pacer and the
Citation. The entry-level Rangers and Pacers were situated on a 118
inch wheelbase and more closely related to the Ford platform
whereas the higher level Corsairs and Citations utilized mostly
Mercury components and sat on 124 wheelbases. Of course, the most
identifiable characteristic of the '58 Edsels were the iconic
"horse collar" grilles, said to have been a modern interpretation
of Packard's classic tall vertical-center grille design. The
top-of-the-line Citation was the crown jewel in Edsel's
introductory lineup and sported the most deluxe trim both inside
and out. From the exterior, the Citation was most easily identified
on the side profile with special "Citation" nameplates on the front
fenders and the deluxe anodized aluminum inserts with Edsel
lettering and green shield crest inside the coves of the rear
quarters. The Citation's interior was also differentiated from the
lower level Edsel series since the seats featured a Citation-only
box pattern along with several other pieces of standard equipment
such as the Teletouch shifted automatic transmission and electric
clock. Interestingly, of the 8,377 Citations produced, only 930
were convertibles which makes this particular example one of the
rarest and thus most desirable Edsels built. Powering this '58
Edsel Citation is an "E-475" 410 Cubic Inch V8 engine fed by a
single 4 barrel carburetor that together were said to have produced
345 horsepower when new. The 410 V8 is backed by a 3 Speed
Automatic Transmission that is shifted using the novelty
push-button Teletouch shifter which is mounted in the center of the
steering wheel. Exhaust exits the E-475 powerplant via a dual
exhaust setup that generates a terrific throaty sound out of the
rear tailpipes. Being that this Citation Convertible was the
top-of-the-line model for Edsel back in 1958, it comes absolutely
loaded with options! With power steering, turning in and out of a
tight parking spot at the local car show is a total breeze and the
overall driving experience is greatly improved as well. Power
brakes in all four corners is another welcome option on any classic
car, and they make a huge difference for this Edsel especially with
all of that horsepower under the hood. This Citation Convertible is
riding on a set of wide whitewall radial tires which are accented
with full Edsel wheelcovers, making for a gorgeous looking and even
better riding car. This Edsel also comes equipped with a set of
rear fender skirts that add to the 50s allure of this Citation. The
beige vinyl power convertible top is in wonderful condition as well
and it goes up and down with the simple flick of a switch. The
exterior of this '58 Edsel Citation Convertible has been correctly
refinished in beautiful Jet Black paint, just how it came back in
1958. The interior of this 1958 Edsel Citation Convertible is
absolutely stunning! The front and rear seats have been correctly
reupholstered in two-tone Red and White upholstery that provide a
gorgeous contrast with the exterior of this convertible. The
matching two-tone door panels, red painted steering wheel, red and
white dash, and black carpeting all appear to be in wonderful
condition and retain a beautiful stock appearance. Additionally,
all four power windows go up and down with the flick of a switch.
Instrumentation includes a 120 MPH floating compass-style
speedometer, 5,000 RPM tachometer, and fuel gauge. The instrument
cluster also houses warning lights for oil pressure, oil level,
generator operation, parking brake, and engine temperature, as well
as a clock and cigarette lighter, controls for the heater and
ventilation, lighting, wipers, and power antenna. The dash is
finished off with a push-button AM radio, slide-out ashtray, and
even a locking glovebox. Whether you're adding to an existing
collection of classic cars or you're buying your very first vintage
collectible, this 1958 Edsel Citation Convertible would make an
excellent choice. Give Ellingson's a call today at
763-428-7337!
*410 Cu. In. "E-475" V8
*Single 4 Barrel Carburetor
*345 Horsepower
*"Teletouch" 3 Speed Automatic
*Power Brakes
*Power Steering
*1 of 930 Produced
*Correct Jet Black Exterior
*Correct Red and White Interior
*Beige Vinyl Power Convertible Top
*Stock Instrumentation
*Odometer Reads: 78,075 Miles
