1958 Edsel Facts, Figures, and Specifications
Five Fast Facts You May Not Know
1958 Edsel Citation Convertible
1. Front Fascia Dramatic
2. Teletouch Transmission Selector Unique
3. Warning lights Unique to Dashboard
4. MEL 410 CID V-8 is an All New Engine
5. Dashboard Can Be Customized
1958 Edsel – Ford Launches a Whole New Brand
Ford’s management compared the company’s roster of makes with that of General Motors and Chrysler and concluded that Lincoln was competing not with Cadillac, but with Buick and DeSoto. Ford decided to move Lincoln upmarket, and to add premium/intermediate vehicles to the intermediate slot vacated by Lincoln – the Edsel.
1958 Edsel Resources
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1958 Edsel Facts – Body Paint Color Mix Codes
Click on the Paint Code Name to See the Mix Codes for the appropriate color:
1958 Edsel
| A Black | |
| B Silver Gray | |
| C Ember Red | |
| D Turquoise | |
| E Frost White | |
| E Snow White | |
| F Powder Blue | |
| G Horizon Blue | |
| H Royal Blue | |
| J Ice Green | |
| K Spring Green | |
| L Spruce Green | |
| M Charcoal Brown | |
| N Driftwood | |
| Q Jonquil Yellow | |
| R Sunset Coral | |
| T Chalk Pink | |
| U Copper | |
| X Gold |
1958 Edsel – What’s It Worth?
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1958 Edsel Facts and Specifications
General Year Information – 1958 Edsel
Ford Launches a Whole New Brand
Ford’s management compared the company’s roster of makes with that of General Motors and Chrysler and concluded that Lincoln was competing not with Cadillac, but with Buick and DeSoto. Ford decided to move Lincoln upmarket, and to add premium/intermediate vehicles to the intermediate slot vacated by Lincoln – the Edsel.
General Year Information – 1958 Edsel
The 1958 Edsel was said to be the product of nine years of planning. It was launched on Sept. 4, 1957, as a product of the Edsel Division of Ford Motor Co. Although it was based on companion Ford and Mercury models, the Edsel was marketed as being “Entirely new to the industry.” It was aimed at the medium-priced car field and came in four different lines with base prices from $2,484 to $3,796.
There were two lower price series, named Ranger and Pacer, and they were built on the 118 inch wheelbase platform that 1958 Fords used. The two higher-price lines, called Corsair and Citation, were set on a 124 inch wheelbase that was a stretched Mercury chassis. Station wagons shared the 116 inch Ford wagon wheelbase.
Conceptually, when compared to Ford and Mercury models, the Edsel was intended to offer more power, more luxury, more standard equipment and certainly, more radical styling. One of the key elements in marketing the car, was for Ford to try to make the Edsel a car that buyers would view as something really different. Edsel models were intended to battle against Buick, Oldsmobile and the Chrysler New Yorker. As can be seen from a historical point of view the top line Edsel models were designed to sit above Mercury, and the lesser models were to sit between Ford and Mercury. As it turned out the lesser models did reside in this place but competed more with Ford models than the external competition. The upper level cars ended up competing with with high level Mercurys, who at the same time had moved into the same space as they had moved into this vector in 1957.
To solidify Edsel as a separate brand, Ford established a separate Edsel Division, with its own headquarters. For the first time in automotive history Ford set up a dealer organization with 1,200 to 1,400 outlets, prior to Edsel’s launch.
Edsel’s radical styling was designed to give the new model its own personality. The front fascia was thought to be a modern interpretation of a classic Packard vertical center grille. However, the move oval interpretation gave the gave the impression of a “horse collar”, diminishing the intended effect. The front bumper was split by the center grille. “Edsel” in bright gilded letters, ran vertically down the center of the grille. The center of the hood had a broad peak or bulge which protruded to meet the vertical grille. The top of the hood was decorated with a stand-up hood ornament. The dual headlights were horizontal and set in each fender.
The body’s side styling had a slightly reverse-angled, fin-shaped feature lines running along the front fender and door. At the rear there was a “cove”, an indentation in the panel. This cove was outlined with chrome molding and had large, block letters that spelled out “Edsel”. Body panels and roof lines on the Ranger and Pacer models models emulated ford car models, while those on the Citation and Corsair were Mercury designs. The rear end again took on a more radical theme, using the split-styled bumper, with boomerang-shaped taillamps. The deck lid was depressed below the level of the flat, rounded fender tops carrying on the cove look. Station wagons merged this new look into the Ford-based Sheet metal where possible.
The Edsel received one of the best and longest lasting new car build-ups in automotive history. As early as Aug. 7, 1956, Ford announced that is Special Products Div. was in the process of establishing five regional sales offices through which to market an all-new car called the Edsel. The following October 15, the company appointed 24 district sales managers to oversee Edsel sales in major cities. On Jan. 11, 1957, Ford informed the world that the Edsel would be far more radical than any of its other products and that equally radical sales techniques would be adopted to marketing of the car. Ten days later, corporate officials predicted 200,000 sales in the first year and set their sights accordingly. After having named the car publicly on November 19, 1956, Ford released the names and characteristics of each Edsel series on Feb. 5, 1957.
Although recognized as a failure in the area of sales, in its first year, the Edsel set an all-time record for deliveries of a brand new medium-priced automobile. But sales did not justify an entirely new brand and dealer network as a time when a very severe recession began and all vehicle brands in the U.S. suffered sales declines. This recession ran through 1960, effectively ending any chance of success – but spawning the compact car.
Historical
Model year output was recorded as 63,110 cars for 1.5 percent of the total U.S. market. Of the Edsel models built for 1958, 91.9% had automatic transmission, 80.3% had radios, 89.4% had a heater; 73.2% had white sidewall tires, 61.4% had windshield washers, 48.7% had power steering, 43.3% had back-up lights, 43.3% had power brakes, 32.9% had tinted glass, 28.4% had dual exhausts, 7.6% had power seats, 5.6% had power windows, 2% had overdrive transmission, only 1.6% had air conditioning. All were fitted with V-8 engines.e transmission, only 1.6% had air conditioning. All were fitted with V-8 engines.
1958 Edsel Factoids
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The 410 CID V-8 was an all-new design slated for Mercury, Edsel, and Lincoln cars, hence the “MEL” designation. It was available across the brands in 430, 410 and 383 CID variants. with the change in displacement via larger or smaller piston bore size. Edsel’s 410 CID version sat between the Lincoln and Mercury units (though Mercury top line car got the 430).
The front fascia of the Edsel was intended to be dramatic an emulate the radiator shells of 1930s cars, principally the Packard. Unfortunately, the interpretation may have just been a pit too radical, giving it a “love it, or leave it” impression o the buying public. Frankly, some of Pontiac’s later designs were similar in impact, but they came later on when that distinctive styling was accepted.
In another step to stimulate interest (and perhaps to outshine Chrysler), Edsel place a push button drive mechanism in the center of the steering wheel. Significantly, it did not rotate when the wheel was turned, making it easy to see the buttons, should gear selection be necessary when maneuvering. It lasted this one year only.
1958 Edsel Facts – Models Offered
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- Edsel Ranger
- Edsel Pacer
- Edsel Corsair
- Edsel Citation
- Edsel Roundup Wagon
- Edsel Villager Wagon
- Edsel Bermuda Wagon
Ranger. The Ranger was the base Edsel. Rangers were identified by “Ranger” scripts placed above and ahead of the front wheel openings. Rangers lacked front fender and rocker panel trim, upper body edge reveal moldings and had a slightly plainer appearance than upscale models. Ranger sedans were equipped with front and rear armrests, three ashtrays, two coat hooks, black rubber floor mats and white vinyl headliners. There were three trim levels for sedans: Code A (green cloth); Code B (blue cloth) and Code C (gray and black cloth). Ranger hardtops were equipped the same as sedans, except for the type of upholstery. Two and four-door pillarless models used different trim – Code K (white vinyl and green cloth); Code M (white vinyl and blue cloth), and Code N (White vinyl and black cloth).
Base powertrains were a three-speed manual transmission with column shift and a 361 CID 303 HP “FE” V-8 with four-barrel carburetor. 8.00 x 14 four
Pacer. The Pacer was the second step up in the Edsel· product line. It used the same body as Rangers, with slightly more trim, extra equipment and upscale upholstery fittings. Pacer models were identified by the “Pacer” in script on the front fenders and a slightly curved, fin-shaped molding on the sides of front fenders and doors. Available body styles were similar to those in the Ranger Series, except that the 2-door sedan was excluded with a convertible inserted in the lineup. Pacer sedans were equipped with four built-in armrests, two ashtrays, cigarette lighter, two coat hooks, chrome inside rear view mirror, special “one-third/two-thirds” split front seat, color-keyed rubber floor mats, and a white vinyl headliner.
Sedan interior trim available was D – brown cloth, E – green cloth, and F – blue cloth. Pacer hardtops had the same equipment as sedans, but different trims were used. They were: R – white vinyl and brown cloth, S – white vinyl and coral cloth, AX- white vinyl and red cloth, AY – white vinyl and turquoise cloth, T – green cloth and vinyl, and V – blue cloth and vinyl.
Pacer convertibles came with four built-in armrests, three ashtrays, cigarette lighter, courtesy lights under instrument panel, rear armrest lights, and chrome inside rear view mirror. Convertibles also had the one-third/two-third seat designs, color-keyed rubber floor mats, and vinyl-coated convertible tops in a choice of black, white, turquoise or coral. Convertible interior trims were AJ – white and coral vinyl, AN – white and black vinyl, AV – white and turquoise vinyl, AZ – white and red vinyl.
Pacer models were 4-door Sedan, 2- and 4-door Hardtop, and Convertible.
Corsair. The Corsair Series, which was comprised of two- and four-door hardtops on a 124 inch wheelbase. Cars were closer in appearance to 1958 Mercurys with greater overall length. The roofs were styled with an overhanging rear edge and wraparound rear window. They were identified with “Corsair” om front fenders in script, fin-shaped side moldings across the upper mid-section of front fenders and doors, chrome outline moldings on the rear fender cove, bright “Edsel” in block letters within the rear of the fender cove, “Edsel” in block lettering vertically in the center of the grille, rocker panel moldings, and heavy chrome trim along the edge of the roof and rear body pillars. Vertical guards were optional on the front bumpers, positioned close to the vertical grille.
The Corsair shared many chassis and inner body components with the 1958 Mercury, and little with Ford models. Standard equipment on Corsair hardtops included built-in front and rear armrests, ashtrays, cigarette lighter, two coat hooks, courtesy lights on the instrument panel, chromed inside rear view mirror, one-third/two-third design front seat, white vinyl headliner, and color-keyed floor carpeting. Trim codes available for Corsairs were: 8 – blue cloth and vinyl, C – white vinyl and turquoise cloth, D – green cloth and vinyl, E – white vinyl and gold cloth, X – gray vinyl and red cloth, and Y – white vinyl and copper cloth.
Corsair models available were: 2- door hardtop and 4- door Hardtop.
Citation. The Citation was the top-line Edsel. It shared the Corsair body but came with more Deluxe interiors and trim. “Citation” in script, was placed on the front fenders, Corsair model medallions on the rear roof pillar, and a special decorative arrangement within the coves on the rear fender sides. Inside the cove was an additional projectile shaped beauty panel that was formed by chrome outline moldings. Also, a large medallion was placed directly below the upper inner molding towards the rear. On most cars, the inner beauty panel was finished in one color and the cove was done in another, which often matched the color of the roof. It was also possible to select a third color for the main body itself. A wide variety of two-tone or three-tone combinations could be achieved with the colors available for the Citation models. Standard equipment on Citation hardtops included all items found on Corsairs, plus padded dashboard, electric clock, and glove compartment light.
Interior trim available in Citation hardtops were AA – black vinyl and gray cloth, H – blue cloth and vinyl, J – white vinyl and turquoise cloth, K – green cloth and vinyl, L – white vinyl and gold cloth, Z – pink vinyl and brown cloth, AB – white vinyl and copper cloth. The Citation convertible had the same equipment as hardtops, plus dual exhausts and vinyl-coated convertible tops that were available in black, white, turquoise and copper. Convertible interior trim were AC – brown and pink vinyl, AD – red and white vinyl, AE – copper and white vinyl, S – turquoise and white vinyl, and T – gold and white vinyl.
Citation models available were 2-door Hardtop, 4-door Hardtop, and Convertible.
Roundup Wagon. The Roundup was a two-door station wagon with seating for six. “Roundup” in script was set at the front fender tip, and a projectile-shaped contrast panel was formed by a chrome outline molding. The projectile went from the rear of the car to the middle of the front door. All Roundup wagons were equipped with four armrests, ashtrays, cigarette lighter, two coat hooks, dome and courtesy lights, and White vinyl headliner. The Roundup came with black rubber floor mats and a conventional split front seat as was used in Ford two-door sedans. Trim codes were BA – white and green vinyl, BB – white and blue vinyl, BC – black vinyl and gold saran, BD – red vinyl with gold saran.
The only powertrain was a three-speed manual transmission with column shift and a 361 CID 303 HP “FE” V-8 with four-barrel carburetor. 8.00 x 14 four-ply tires were standard.
Villager Wagon. The Villager station wagon was a four-door model, available in six- or nine-passenger seating. It had all that was standard on the Roundup, plus a solid front bench seat. The trim available were: BA – white and green vinyl, BB – white and blue vinyl, BC – black vinyl and gold saran, BD – red vinyl with gold saran.
The only powertrain was a three-speed manual transmission with column shift and a 361 CID 303 HP “FE” V-8 with four-barrel carburetor. 8.00 x 14 four-ply tires were standard.
Bermuda. Bermuda wagons were all 4-door models but only came as 6-passenger versions. These wagons had simulated wood grain exterior paneling, color-keyed rubber floor mats, one-third/two-third design front seats, and a chromed inside rear view mirror. Interior trim available was: AT- two-tone blue vinyl, AJ – white and coral vinyl, AS – two-tone green vinyl, AU – driftwood vinyl and brown saran, and AV- white and turquoise vinyl.
The base powertrain was a three-speed manual transmission with column shift and a 361 CID 303 HP “FE” V-8 with four-barrel carburetor. 8.00 x 14 four-ply tires were standard.
1958 Edsel Facts – Engines
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303 HP V-8 All Transmissions: Overhead valves. Cast Iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 361 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 4.05 x 3.50 inches.
Compression ratio: 10.5:1.
Horsepower: 303 @ 4600 RPM.
Torque: 400 ft. lbs. @ 2800 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft timing: Intake: 256°, Exhaust: 256°, Overlap: 36°; Lift: Intake 0.399″, Exhaust 0.39″.
Carburetor: Autolite 4100 four-barrel (manual transmission) B8E-9510-E; (automatic transmission) B8E-9510-V.
345 HP V-8 Automatic Transmission: Overhead valves. Cast Iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 410 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 4.20 x 3.70 inches.
Compression ratio: 10.5:1.
Horsepower: 345 @ 4600 RPM.
Torque: 475 ft. lbs. @ 2900 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft timing: Intake: 276°, Exhaust: 276°, Overlap: 54°; Lift: Intake 0.441″, Exhaust 0.441″.
Carburetor: Holley 4150 four-barrel (automatic transmission) EDH-9510-A.
1958 Edsel Facts – Chassis Features
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- Wheelbase: Ranger & Pacer – 118.0 inches; Corsair & Citation – 124.0 inches; Wagons – 116.0 inches.
- Overall length: Ranger & Pacer – 213.17 inches; Corsair & Citation – 218.8 inches; Wagons – 205.4 inches.
- Overall width: Ranger & Pacer – 78.8 inches; Corsair & Citation – 79.8 inches; Wagons – 78.8 inches.
- Overall height: Ranger & Pacer – 56.4 inches (Convertible 56.7); Corsair & Citation – 56.8 inches (Convertible 567.0) ; Wagons – 57.0 inches.
- Front tread: 59.4 inches.
- Rear tread: 59.0 inches.
- Tires: Ranger & Pacer – 8.00 x 14 Corsair & Citation – 8.20 x 14; Wagons – 8.00 x 14; All: 4-ply tubeless.
1958 Edsel Facts – Powertrains
- Three Speed Automatic Transmission Ratios
- Ranger/Pacer/Wagons: 1st – 2.46:1, 2nd – 1.46:1, 3rd – 1.00:1, Reverse – 2.00:1.
- Corsair/Citation: 1st – 2.37:1, 2nd – 1.48:1, 3rd – 1.00:1, Reverse – 1.84:1.
- Three Speed Manual Transmission Ratios
- 1st – 2.49:1, 2nd – 1.59:1, 3rd – 1.00:1, Reverse – 3.15:1.
- Three Speed Overdrive Manual Transmission Ratios
- 1st – 2.49:1, 2nd – 1.59:1, 3rd – 1.00:1, Overdrive – 0.72:1 Reverse – 3.15:1.
- Rear Gear Standard Ratios
- Ranger/Pacer – 3-Speed SMT – 3.56:1, Optional – 3.70:1.
- Wagons – 3-Speed SMT – 3.70:1, Optional – 3.56:1.
- Ranger/Pacer/Wagons – 3-Speed SMT with Overdrive – 3.70:1, Optional – 3.56:1.
- Ranger/Pacer – 3-speed AMT – 2.91:1, Optional – 3.22:1.
- Wagons – 3-speed AMT – 3.22:1, Optional – 2.91:1.
- Corsair/Citation – 3-speed AMT – 3.22:1, Optional – 2.91:1.
- Engine Options
- NONE.
1958 Edsel Facts – Powertrains
- Transmissions
- Ranger/Pacer/Wagons – Three speed manual was standard equipment.
- Ranger/Pacer/Wagons – Three-speed with automatic overdrive was optional. Approximate drive ratio: 0.72:1.
- Ranger/Pacer/Wagons – Automatic transmission was optional.
- Corsair/Citation – Automatic transmission was standard.
- Engines
- Ranger/Pacer/Wagons – 361 CID 303 HP FE V-8.
- Corsair/Citation – 410 CID 345 HP MEL V-8.
1958 edsel Facts – Significant Options
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- 3-speed automatic transmission with Teletouch control in Ranger/Pacer ($231.40).
- 3-speed automatic with column lever control ($217.70).
- 3-speed manual overdrive transmission in Ranger/Pacer/Wagons only ($127.45).
- Air cleaner. Paper element.
- Antennas, rear mounted single or dual.
- Back-up lights ($8.50).
- Bumper guards, front.
- Bumper guards, rear.
- Carpeting: Ranger/pacer/Wagons ($12.30). standard in Corsair/Citation.
- Chassis lubricator, push-button, Corsair/Citation only ($42.50).
- Compass.
- Courtesy lights.
- Curb signals.
- Dial-A-Temp air conditioning with heater: Ranger/Pacer ($417.70), Corsair/Citation ($460.15).
- Dial-A-Temp heater and defroster ($92.45).
- Electric clock; standard on Citation ($15.94).
- Electric luggage compartment opener.
- Engine compartment light.
- Exhaust deflectors single or dual.
- Exhausts, dual on Citation ($23.45), standard on Convertible.
- Extra-cooling radiator and fan.
- Floor mats, front and rear.
- Foam front seat cushion: standard in Corsair/Citation ($21.25).
- Foam rear seat cushion.
- Front seat belts.
- Fuel and vacuum booster pump.
- Fuel tank cap, locking.
- Full wheel covers ($12.75).
- Full wheel covers with appliques and spinner.
- Glove compartment light.
- License plate frames.
- Luggage compartment light.
- Mirror, rear view outside, hooded.
- Mirror, rear view, inside non-glare.
- Oil filter: standard with Corsair/Citation ($9.15).
- Padded instrument panel ($22.65).
- Power brakes ($38.25).
- Power seats, 4-way ($76.45).
- Power steering ($84.95).
- Power windows ($100.95).
- Radio, push button with manual antenna ($95.25).
- Radio, station-seeking with electric antenna ($143.90).
- Rear door safety locks (four-doors only).
- Rear seat speaker ($16).
- Rocker panel moldings.
- Seat covers.
- Size 8.50 x 14 whitewall tires.
- Spot light, left and/or right.
- Standard-style outside mirror left and right.
- Sun visors, padded (included in padded dash safety package).
- Tachometer ($14.95).
- Tinted glass ($34).
- Traffic light reflector.
- Tri-tone paint.
- Two-tone paint on top or scallop or top and scallop ($17).
- Undercoating. Vacuum-booster windshield wipers ($11.70).
- Whitewall tires, Ranger/Pacer Size 8.00 x 14 ($40.35); Corsair/Citation Size 8.20 x 14 ($44.25).
- Windshield washer ($11.50).
- Windshield wipers, electric.
1958 Edsel Downloads and Images
1958 Edsel Facts – Related Document Downloads
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1958 Edsel Print Advertisements
1958 Edsel Ranger-Pacer AMA Specifications Sheets
1958 Edsel Corsair-Citation AMA Specifications Sheets
1958 Edsel SAE Paper – Engineering the Edsel
1958 Edsel Exposed and Tested – Motor Trend Magazine
1958 Edsel Exposed and Tested – Motor Life Magazine
1958 Edsel Road Test – Mechanix Illustrated Magazine
1958 Edsel Facts – Related Images
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1958 Edsel Citation Convertible
The 1958 Edsel Citation Convertible was the top line convertible in the Edsel Line. only 930 were delivered.
1958 Edsel Citation 4-door Hardtop
The 1958 Edsel Citation 4-door Hardtop was the luxury 4-door. 5,112 were sold, making it the top selling Citation.
1958 Edsel Citation 2-door Hardtop
The 1958 Edsel Citation 2-door Hardtop was intended to be the luxury leader in the top Citation line. Stunningly, 2,535 were sold.
1958 Edsel Corsair 4-door Hardtop
The 1958 Edsel Corsair 4-door Hardtop was the mid-level full-size 4-door. It was the best selling 124 inch wheelbase model with 5,880 delivered.
1958 Edsel Corsair 2-door Hardtop
The 1958 Edsel Corsair 2-door Hardtop was the sporty mid-level Edsel this year. 3,312 were built.
1958 Edsel Pacer Convertible
The 1958 Edsel Pacer Convertible was the only lower price Edsel Convertible available in 1958. Surprisingly, only 1,876 were produced.
1958 Edsel Pacer 4-door Hardtop
The 1958 Edsel Pacer 4-door Hardtop sat above the Ranger model and provided an upscale interior for the 118 inch wheelbase segment of the Edsel line. 4,959 were delivered.
1958 Edsel Pacer 2-door Hardtop
The 1958 Edsel Pacer 2-door Hardtop should have been a hot seller with it sleek styling a lower price, but only 6,139 were built.
1958 Edsel Pacer 4-door Sedan
The 1958 Edsel Pacer 4-door Sedan was the upscale 118 inch wheelbase 4-door entry. It sold well for the line with 6,083 delivered.
1958 Edsel Ranger 4-door Hardtop
The 1958 Edsel Ranger 4-door Hardtop should have been an exciting upgrade to the Ford version, but it dod not resonated with buyers. Only 3,077 were sold.
1958 Edsel Ranger 2-door Hardtop
1958 Edsel Ranger 2-door Hardtop was the line’s entry level 2-door hardtop. It should have sold well, but only 5,546 were delivered.
1958 Edsel Ranger 4-door Sedan
The 1958 Edsel Ranger 4-door Sedan – the entry level 4-door – topped the charts in Edsel sales with 6,576 built.
1958 Edsel Ranger 2-door Sedan
The 1958 Edsel Ranger 2-door Sedan was the lowest-priced Edsel this year. price wasn’t enough as only 4,615 left the showroom.