1958 EDSELS

Back in 1956, Ford Motor Company realized that there was a void in their selections of mid-size automobiles.  General Motors could keep Chevrolet owners in their fold by offering a path of advancement to Pontiac, Oldsmobile, Buick and Cadillac, while the Plymouth owner could move up to Dodge, De Soto, Chrysler and Imperial.  But Ford buyers were looking at Mercury, Lincoln and Continental. The perception was that Ford was losing customers to other manufacturers when the time came to trade-up.  They needed a new car line between Ford and Mercury to compete on a level playing field.

In order to correct the problem, Ford instituted plans for an entirely new car division, and an entirely new car.  The design of the car was to be completely unique - distinguishable from any angle.  And the promotional build-up of the car would be like nothing else.

The 1958 Edsel came in two sizes.  "Big and bigger" you might say, but they are actually two distinctly different designs.  The "Senior" Series cars are Citation and Corsair models.  They were built on the large Mercury-based frame.  The "Junior" series cars are Rangers, Pacers and station wagons Bermuda, Villager and Roundup, which were built on the smaller Ford-based frame.

One of the most talked about feature was the "Teletouch" shifter, which controlled the automatic transmission selection electronically from push buttons in the center of the steering wheel hub.  (A series of planetary gears in the column keeps the buttons stationary as the wheel turns.)  Many other Edsel-original ideas are still found on today's cars.

The car was referred to as the "E" car (for Experimental) from its inception.  The name "Edsel" was bestowed by Special Products Division General Manager Richard Krafve, after reviewing a list of nearly 8,000 suggestions from their advertising firm, Ford employees and renowned poet Marianne Moore who was solicited for ideas.  (See the Edsel Ford page for more about the man for whom the car was named.)

After a massive promotional campaign, which included multi-page "teaser" ads in major national magazines, some 2.5 million Americans poured into Edsel dealerships on "E-Day", September 4, 1957.  But it was quickly apparent that few cars were actually being sold.  The public expectation was much higher than the car could live up to, and sales reflected the disappointment.

There was a combination of other factors that led to the name "Edsel" becoming synonymous with "failure" - By the time the first Edsel hit the showroom, the country was in a recession.  (For comparison, 1958 DeSoto sales were down 54% from 1957. Buick was down 33%, Mercury 48%, Oldsmobile 18%, Dodge 47%, Pontiac 28%..  probably the worst year since World War II to unveil a new car line!)  Car-buying habits had turned toward smaller and more fuel efficient cars.  Edsel's styling was radical, and not to everyone's liking.  On the assembly line, Edsel was run between Fords or Mercury's, causing the assembler to have to interrupt his routine and sometimes forget to install some parts.  The Edsel also suffered from parts that wouldn't fit together correctly.   Because of problems with suppliers, many of the early cars arrived at the dealerships with parts missing.  Many dealers were poorly equipped to replace the parts or add on accessories.  Ford Vice President Robert McNamara offered little support to the Edsel Division.  The Edsel was more expensive than other comparable cars, and the price of the loaded, top-of-the-line models that were first on the showroom floor scared many buyers.  There was no owner loyalty to count on.  And, finally, it had a funny name.

The Edsel Division was in a death spiral.  The more cars that failed to sell, the more dealers dropped their Edsel franchise.  The more dealers that folded, the more the public was afraid to buy the car.

After three model years and just 110,847 Edsels later, Ford Motor Company threw in the towel, and went about trying to forget about the whole ordeal.

Today less than 6000 Edsels survive, and each one is a cherished classic.  The 1958 Edsel advertising said it best - "Once you've seen it, you'll never forget it.  Once you've owned it, you'll never want to change."

• Chief Designer: Roy A. Brown, Jr
  (Just before starting work on the Edsel, Mr. Brown completed the 1955 Lincoln "Futura" show car, which went on to become the "Batmobile" in the 1966 television series "Batman")


• The official first day of Edsel production was July 15, 1957.


• 1958 Edsel Manufacturing Plants (with dataplate code):


• J - Los Angeles, CA (1,485 Citations and Corsairs)
  L.A. had a late start, in early August 1957.  This plant made the fewest Edsels.&nsbp; Approximately 223 two-door, 450 four-door Citations, and 812 two- and four-door Corsairs built.  The last Los Angeles Edsel was produced on November 21, 1957.
• S - Somerville, MA (11,354 Citations and Corsairs)
  Somerville was the first plant to end Edsel production, in mid-October 1957.  Approximately 1,601 two-door, 3,227 four-door and 644 convertible Citations and 5,882 two- and four-door Corsairs were built in what is now "Assembly Row".
• W - Wayne, MI (4,894 Citations and Corsairs)
  Wayne also had a late start, in late July 1957.  Approximately 2,461 two- and four-door Corsairs, and 712 two-door, 1,435 four-door and 286 convertible Citations built.
• E - Mahwah, NJ (6,362 Rangers, Pacers and wagons)
  Seven pilot cars were produced in May 1957.  Surviving Mahwah Edsels are quite rare, mainly because they were sold on the eastern seaboard and were victims of salt and harsh winters.
• R - San Jose, CA (5,755 Rangers, Pacers and wagons)
  Five to seven pilot cars were produced on June 28, 1957.  The former San Jose Ford Plant is now the "Great Mall of the Bay Area"
• U - Louisville, KY (33,068 Rangers, Pacers and wagons)
  Louisville was still producing 1958 Edsels as late as August 29, 1958!
  

• K - Oakville, Ontario, Canada (4,935 sedans and hardtops)
  Canadian Edsels are most easily distinguished by their white steering wheels and columns.  Production numbers are here.
  


• First year sales were projected to reach 200,000.
  Total US Production for all 1958 models: 63,110 units, including 192 knock-down kits for export assembly.
  Total 1958 Edsel Production:   68,045 units

1958 Edsel Innovations

• Floating speedometer that glows when a pre-set speed limit is exceeded
• Transmission locks in park until ignition key turned (new with Edsel - still used today)
• Top portion of seats slant forward to provide shoulder support
• Triple-thermostat cooling system (head/block/radiator) during warm-up for increased fuel economy & heater performance (E-475 engine)
• Front-mounted distributor, coil, fuel pump, oil filter dipstick for easy access.
• Hood hinged in the front for safety (Although this somewhat limits access to the aforementioned distributor, etc!)
• Hood release controlled electronically, from inside the car.
• The front seats were split 60/40 for better driver comfort.
• Promoted Self-Adjusting brakes as a safe and convenient method of compensating for normal brake lining wear.  This mechanism has been used in drum brake systems ever since.
  (They were not, however, an Edsel invention as is commonly thought.  The same basic design was introduced on the 1948 Studebaker.)
• A HUGE array of bells and whistles available as options!
• In an effort to boost sales, the Edsel Division ran a short-lived promotion where the new Edsel owner had a chance to win a live pony.


• The "horsecollar" grille was considered part of the bumper assembly. The center chrome section is officially known as the "impact ring".


• To make it seem even more powerful, the 1958 Edsel displays its torque rating ("400" and "475") on the engine.  Traditionally it's the cubic displacement or horsepower that's advertised.


• By 1957, not all states had accepted the use of "quad" headlamps. As a precaution, Edsel designers developed the front fender opening large enough to accomodate two 5.5 inch lenses OR a single seven-inch lamp.


• The Villager station wagon was originally called the "Caravan". There was even a production-ready script design.
• The plastic hood ornament inserts had to be rationed, as employees were fond of sneaking them out of the assembly plants. Once on the car, the wind blew out many of them, until a redesigned retaining ring design was implemented.


• Despite the extreme security surrounding the 1958 Edsel release on E-Day, September 4, 1957, a used car dealer in Cleveland somehow obtained and displayed an all-white Pacer convertible on his lot on September 2!  The writing was on the wall from the start.

1958 Edsel Specifications & Photos - Model Specific

"Original Base Price" includes delivery charges and Federal Excise Tax
(Click on any Edsel photo to display a full screen view )

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1958 Edsel Citation
2-Door Hardtop

Owned by John & Darlene Scott
Knoxville, IA

Model Number: 63B
Total Production: 2,532
Original Base Price: $3,500
Curb Weight (lbs): 4,136
Wheelbase (in.): 124.0
Length (in.): 218.8
Width (in.): 79.8
Height (in.): 56.8

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1958 Edsel Citation
4-Door Hardtop

Owned by Charles & Frances Reed
Harpersfield, NY


Model Number: 57B
Total Production: 5,112
Original Base Price: $3,580
Curb Weight (lbs): 4,230
Wheelbase (in.): 124.0
Length (in.): 218.8
Width (in.): 79.8
Height (in.): 56.8

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1958 Edsel Citation
2-Door Convertible

Owned by Roland Houde,
Andover, MA


Model Number: 76B
Total Production: 930
Original Base Price: $3,766
Curb Weight (lbs): 4,311
Wheelbase (in.): 124.0
Length (in.): 218.8
Width (in.): 79.8
Height (in.): 56.8

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1958 Edsel Corsair
2-Door Hardtop

Owned by Bill Graham
Nashville, TN

Model Number: 63A
Total Production: 3,312
Original Base Price: $3,311
Curb Weight (lbs): 4,134
Wheelbase (in.): 124.0
Length (in.): 218.8
Width (in.): 79.8
Height (in.): 56.8

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1958 Edsel Corsair
4-Door Hardtop

Owned by Lawrence Briske
Tacoma, WA

Model Number: 57A
Total Production: 5,880
Original Base Price: $3,390
Curb Weight (lbs): 4,235
Wheelbase (in.): 124.0
Length (in.): 218.8
Width (in.): 79.8
Height (in.): 56.8

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1958 Edsel Pacer
2-Door Hardtop

Owned by Clark James
Elnora, Alberta

Model Number: 63B
Total Production: 6,139
Original Base Price: $2,770
Curb Weight (lbs): 3,724
Wheelbase (in.): 118.0
Length (in.): 213.1
Width (in.): 78.8
Height (in.): 56.4

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1958 Edsel Pacer
4-Door Hardtop

Owned by Rollo & Emma Sabisch
Seattle, WA

Model Number: 57B
Total Production: 4,959
Original Base Price: $2,828
Curb Weight (lbs): 3,857
Wheelbase (in.): 118.0
Length (in.): 213.1
Width (in.): 78.8
Height (in.): 56.4

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1958 Edsel Pacer
4-Door Sedan

Owned by Gary Gilmore
Dearborn, Michigan

Model Number: 58B
Total Production: 6,083
Original Base Price: $2,700
Curb Weight (lbs): 3,826
Wheelbase (in.): 118.0
Length (in.): 213.1
Width (in.): 78.8
Height (in.): 56.4

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1958 Edsel Pacer
2-Door Convertible

Owned by Don Wicklund
Port Coquitlam, BC


Model Number: 76B
Total Production: 1,876
Original Base Price: $2,993
Curb Weight (lbs): 3,909
Wheelbase (in.): 118.0
Length (in.): 213.1
Width (in.): 78.8
Height (in.): 56.4

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1958 Edsel Ranger
2-Door Hardtop

Owned by Jens Floto
West Germany

Model Number: 63A
Total Production: 5,546
Original Base Price: $2,558
Curb Weight (lbs): 3,724
Wheelbase (in.): 118.0
Length (in.): 213.1
Width (in.): 78.8
Height (in.): 56.4

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1958 Edsel Ranger
2-Door Sedan

Owned by Steve Newell

Model Number: 64A
Total Production: 4,615
Original Base Price: $2,484
Curb Weight (lbs): 3,729
Wheelbase (in.): 118.0
Length (in.): 213.1
Width (in.): 78.8
Height (in.): 56.4

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1958 Edsel Ranger
4-Door Hardtop

Owned by David Fleischer
Centerville, Utah

Model Number: 57A
Total Production: 3,077
Original Base Price: $2,643
Curb Weight (lbs): 3,796
Wheelbase (in.): 118.0
Length (in.): 213.1
Width (in.): 78.8
Height (in.): 56.4

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1958 Edsel Ranger
4-Door Sedan

Owned by Alan Humphrey
West Middlesex, PA

Model Number: 58A
Total Production: 6,576
Original Base Price: $2,557
Curb Weight (lbs): 3,805
Wheelbase (in.): 118.0
Length (in.): 213.1
Width (in.): 78.8
Height (in.): 56.4

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1958 Edsel Villager
4-Door 6-Passenger Wagon

Owned by Michael Cowles
Oakland, CA

Model Number: 79C
Total Production: 2,294
Original Base Price: $2,933
Curb Weight (lbs): 3,827
Wheelbase (in.): 116.0
Length (in.): 205.4
Width (in.): 77.1
Height (in.): 58.8

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1958 Edsel Villager
4-Door 9-Passenger Wagon

Owned by Steve & Jill Miller
Benton Harbor, MI


Model Number: 79A
Total Production: 978
Original Base Price: $2,955
Curb Weight (lbs): 3,900
Wheelbase (in.): 116.0
Length (in.): 205.4
Width (in.): 77.1
Height (in.): 58.8

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1958 Edsel Bermuda
4-Door 6-Passenger Wagon

Owned by Randy Rarick
Haleiwa, HI

Model Number: 79D
Total Production: 1,456
Original Base Price: $3,155
Curb Weight (lbs): 3,853
Wheelbase (in.): 116.0
Length (in.): 205.4
Width (in.): 77.1
Height (in.): 58.8

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1958 Edsel Bermuda
4-Door 9-Passenger Wagon

Owned by Stan & Mary Fornof
Rantoul, IL

Model Number: 79B
Total Production: 779
Original Base Price: $3,212
Curb Weight (lbs): 3,919
Wheelbase (in.): 116.0
Length (in.): 205.4
Width (in.): 77.1
Height (in.): 58.8

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1958 Edsel Roundup
2-Door 6-Passenger Wagon

Owned by Kevin Rogler
Scituate, RI

Model Number: 59A
Total Production: 963
Original Base Price: $2,841
Curb Weight (lbs): 3,761
Wheelbase (in.): 116.0
Length (in.): 205.4
Width (in.): 77.1
Height (in.): 58.8

[To the Top of the 1958 Page]

Ranger

Headroom - Front (in): 33.9
Headroom - Rear (in): 33.6
Seat Height - Front (in): 10.7
Seat Height - Rear (in): 14.0
Leg Room - Front (in): 43.1
Leg Room - Rear (in): 40.7
Shoulder Room - Front (in): 57.3
Shoulder Room - Rear (in): 57.0
Hip Room - Front (in): 60.0
Hip Room - Rear (in): 60.1
Trunk depth (in): 58.0
Trunk opening width (in): 49.6
Useable Luggage Capacity (cu ft):27.7


Pacer

Headroom - Front (in): 33.2
Headroom - Rear (in): 33.6
Seat Height - Front (in): 10.6
Seat Height - Rear (in): 14.0
Leg Room - Front (in): 43.1
Leg Room - Rear (in): 40.7
Shoulder Room - Front (in): 57.3
Shoulder Room - Rear (in): 57.0
Hip Room - Front (in): 60.0
Hip Room - Rear (in): 60.1
Trunk depth (in): 58.0
Trunk opening width (in): 49.6
Useable Luggage Capacity (cu ft):27.7


Citation/Corsair series

Headroom - Front (in): 33.9
Headroom - Rear (in): 32.8
Seat Height - Front (in): 10.6
Seat Height - Rear (in): 14.5
Leg Room - Front (in): 44.2
Leg Room - Rear (in): 43.4
Shoulder Room - Front (in): 59.7
Shoulder Room - Rear (in): 59.7
Hip Room - Front (in): 63.5
Hip Room - Rear (in): 63.5


All Models
Turning Radius - Citation/Corsair (ft): 43.2
Turning Radius - Ranger, Pacer and wagons (ft): 41.7
Electrical System: 12 Volt, Negative Ground
Fuel tank capacity (gal): 20
Cooling system capacity - Citation and Corsair (qt): 22 (23 if equipped with heater)
Cooling system capacity - Ranger, Pacer and wagons (qt): 18.5 (19.5 if equipped with heater)
Radiator Cap relief pressure (lbs): 13
Thermostat Opening Temperature - Permanent antifreeze (deg F): 180
Thermostat Opening Temperature - Alcohol antifreeze (deg F): 160
Transmission capacity - Manual (pt): 3.5
Transmission capacity - Manual with Overdrive (pt): 5
Transmission capacity - Automatic (qt): 10
Crankcase capacity (qt): 5 (6 if equipped with filter)
Engine Oil Grade - Summer: 20W
Engine Oil Grade - Winter: 10W
Differential capacity (pt): 4.5
Brake lining area - Ranger/Pacer and wagons (sq in): 191.5
Brake lining area - Citation/Corsair (sq in): 212.8
Steering Wheel Turns, lock-to-lock - standard: 4.25
Steering Wheel Turns, lock-to-lock - power assisted: 5.20
Power Steering ratio: 23:1
Tire Pressure - Front (lbs): 24
Tire Pressure - Rear (lbs): 22
Wheel Alignment Caster - Citation/Corsair (degrees): 0 to -1.5, Desired -0.75
Wheel Alignment Caster - Ranger/Pacer/Wagons (degrees): +0.5 to +1.5, Desired +1
Wheel Alignment Camber - Citation/Corsair (degrees): 0 to +0.75, Desired +0.375
Wheel Alignment Camber - Ranger/Pacer/Wagons (degrees): +0.5 to +1.5, Desired +1
Toe-in - Citation/Corsair (inches): 1/16 to 3/16
Toe-in - Ranger/Pacer/Wagons (inches): 1/32 to 1/8
Toe-out on turns, inner wheel - Citation/Corsair (degrees): 24.75
Toe-out on turns, inner wheel - Ranger/Pacer/Wagons (degrees): 23.5
Toe-out on turns, outer wheel - All models (degrees): 20
Kingpin Angle (degrees): 7 @ 0-Camber

1958 Engines

Edsel engines were assembled in Cleveland, OH, Dearborn, MI and Wayne, MI.

E-400 V8

361 cid (5.911 litre)
303 hp @4600 rpm
400 ft-lb Torque @2900 rpm
10.5:1 Compression Ratio
4.0469 x 3.500 Bore/Stroke
4-bbl Holley carburetor
Pushrod overhead valve
Features an angle-wedge combustion chamber
(The block is 100 degrees from the cylinder head instead of 90 degrees)
Crankshaft: 5 main bearings, end thrust taken by #3
Firing order: 1-5-4-2-6-3-7-8
Cylinder numbering (front-to-rear): Right 1-2-3-4 Left 5-6-7-8
18mm Champion spark plugs, 0.34 gap
Cam Angle (degrees): 26 - 28.5
Breaker Point Arm Spring tension (ounces): 17-20
Centrifugal Spark Advance - Start (degrees): 1 @400 rpm
Centrifugal Spark Advance - Full (degrees): 10.5 @2000 rpm
Vacuum Spark Advance - Start (inches of vacuum): 1
Vacuum Spark Advance - Full (inches of vacuum): 14
Ignition Timing with standard transmission: 3 deg BTDC
Ignition Timing with automatic transmission: 6 deg BTDC
Idle speed in Neutral (rpm): 475- 500
Minimum compression pressure at cranking speed (lbs): 180
Oil Pressure (lbs): 45 - 50
Valve Angle - Intake (degrees): 30
Valve Angle - Exhaust (degrees): 45
Valve Spring height - installed (inches): 1-53/64
Valve Spring pressure (lbs @ inches): 250 @ 1-25/64
Valve Lift (inches): 0.399
Valve Stem clearance - Intake (inches): 0.001 - 0.0025
Valve Stem clearance - Exhaust (inches): 0.003 - 0.004
Valve Stem diameter - Intake (inches): 0.3715
Valve Stem diameter - Exhaust (inches): 0.3697

Piston Wrist Pin diameter (inches): 0.975
Rod Bearing Shaft diameter (inches): 2.4380-2.4388
Rod Bearing clearance (inches): 0.0006-0.0024
Main Bearing Shaft diameter (inches): 2.7484-2.7492
Main Bearing clearance (inches): 0.0006-0.0024
Shaft End Play (inches): 0.002-0.006

Engine Bolt Torquing (Always use clean, lubricated threads for accuracy)
Spark plug (ft-lbs): 15-20
Cylinder Head (ft-lbs): 75
Intake & Exhaust Manifolds (ft-lbs): 23-38
Rocker Arm Shaft bracket (ft-lbs): 45-50
Valve Cover (ft-lbs): 2-2.5
Connecting Rod Cap (ft-lbs): 45-50
Main Bearing Cap (ft-lbs): 95-105
Flywheel to Crankshaft (ft-lbs): 75-85
Vibration Damper or Pulley (ft-lbs): 130-145
Average miles per gallon: 15.2

Engine Colors
Yellow (1972 GM Color code 52, Dupli-Color code DS-GM-167):
Block, heads, water pump, intake manifold, oil filler tube, oil pan
Off-White (Mix four parts Derusto Gloss White #874/D-23 and one part Derusto Gloss Almond #884/D-34): Air Filter cover, valve covers
Reddish-Orange: E-400 Stenciled on embossed letters
Gloss Black: Brackets, generator, fan, pulley, starter motor, flywheel cover, inner fender aprons, radiator
Semi-gloss Black: Frame, front suspension, core support, etc.
Natural: Transmission bell housing, distributor, exhaust manifolds, fender attaching bolts

E-475 V8

When Ford Motor Company celebrated their 25 millionth V8 engine, it was an E-475!

410 cid (6.7 litre)
345 hp @4600 rpm
475 ft-lb Torque @2600 rpm
10.5:1 Compression Ratio
4.2031 x 3.703 Bore/Stroke
4-bbl Holley carburetor
Pushrod overhead valve
Features a cylindrical-wedge combustion chamber
(The block is at 90 degrees, while the head contains an angled combustion area)
Crankshaft: 5 main bearings, end thrust taken by #3
Firing order: 1-5-4-2-6-3-7-8
Cylinder numbering (front-to-rear): Right 1-2-3-4 Left 5-6-7-8
18mm Champion spark plugs, 0.34 gap
Distributor Point gap (inches): 0.015
Distributor Rotation: Counter-clockwise
Cam Angle (degrees): 26 - 28.5
Breaker Point Arm Spring tension (ounces): 17-20
Centrifugal Spark Advance - Start (degrees): 1 @400 rpm
Centrifugal Spark Advance - Full (degrees): 10.5 @2000 rpm
Vacuum Spark Advance - Start (inches of vacuum): 1
Vacuum Spark Advance - Full (inches of vacuum): 14
Ignition Timing with standard transmission: 3 deg BTDC
Ignition Timing with automatic transmission: 6 deg BTDC
Idle speed in Neutral (rpm): 475- 500
Minimum compression pressure at cranking speed (lbs): 200
Oil Pressure (lbs): 45 - 50
Valve Angle - Intake (degrees): 30
Valve Angle - Exhaust (degrees): 45
Valve Spring height - installed (inches): 1-53/64
Valve Spring pressure (lbs @ inches): 185 @ 1-27/64
Valve Lift (inches): 0.441
Valve Stem clearance - Intake (inches): 0.001 - 0.0025
Valve Stem clearance - Exhaust (inches): 0.003 - 0.004
Valve Stem diameter - Intake (inches): 0.3715
Valve Stem diameter - Exhaust (inches): 0.3697
Piston Wrist Pin diameter (inches): 0.975
Rod Bearing Shaft diameter (inches): 2.5992-2.6000
Rod Bearing clearance (inches): 0.0007-0.0025
Main Bearing Shaft diameter (inches): 2.8994-2.9002
Main Bearing clearance (inches): 0.0008-0.0026
Shaft End Play (inches): 0.004-0.008

Engine Bolt Torquing (Always use clean, lubricated threads for accuracy)
Spark plug (ft-lbs): 15-20
Cylinder Head (ft-lbs): 90
Intake & Exhaust Manifolds (ft-lbs): 23-38
Rocker Arm Shaft bracket (ft-lbs): 45-50
Valve Cover (ft-lbs): 2-2.5
Connecting Rod Cap (ft-lbs): 45-50
Main Bearing Cap (ft-lbs): 95-105
Flywheel to Crankshaft (ft-lbs): 75-85
Vibration Damper or Pulley (ft-lbs): 130-145

Engine Colors
Green (similar to 1978 Porsche "Fern Green" - DuPont code 273, Porsche code 45639AH):
Block, heads, water pump, intake manifold, oil filler tube, oil pan
Off-White (Mix four parts Derusto Gloss White #874/D-23 and one part Derusto Gloss Almond #884/D-34): Air filter cover, valve covers
Reddish-Orange: E-475 Stenciled on embossed letters
Gloss Black: Brackets, generator, fan, pulley, starter motor, flywheel cover, inner fender aprons, radiator
Semi-gloss Black: Frame, front suspension, core support, etc.
Natural: Transmission bell housing, distributor, exhaust manifolds, fender attaching bolts

Ranger/Pacer/Bermuda/Villager/Roundup
Standard: 3-speed Manual
Optional: 3-speed Manual with Borg-Warner T-85 Overdrive
Optional: Column Shift Automatic (Discontinued on January 2, 1958)
Optional: Teletouch Automatic



Citation/Corsair

Teletouch Automatic (the only choice available)

Proposed was the 6-button Dual-Power Teletouch

Roughly 95% of all 1958 Edsels had automatic transmissions, 3% had the 3-speed manual transmission, and 2% were equipped with the 3-speed with Overdrive. The Teletouch Automatic was an extremely popular choice.

Exterior Colors

The 1958 paint codes are listed on the dataplate in sets of three -
the first is the main body color, the second is the roof color, and third is the rear scallop color. (Except for Citations and Corsairs built in Los Angeles, which have no scallop color listed in their color codes.) For convertibles, most Edsel color codes have a space in the middle position to indicate no paint. Citation convertibles built in Wayne, MI have the middle code set to the main body color code.

1958 U.S.-produced Edsel colors (with Color Code):
A - Jet Black
B - Silver Gray Metallic
C - Ember Red
D - Turquoise (Not available on Ranger/Roundup/Villager/Pacer sedan)
E - Snow White (Not available on Citation/Corsair)
E - Frost White (Not available on Ranger/Pacer/wagons)
F - Powder Blue
G - Horizon Blue
H - Royal Blue Metallic
J - Ice Green
K - Spring Green
L - Spruce Green Metallic
M - Charcoal Brown Metallic
N - Driftwood (Not available on Citation/Corsair)
Q - Jonquil Yellow
R - Sunset Coral (Not available on Citation/Corsair)
T - Chalk Pink (Not available on Ranger/Pacer/wagons)
U - Copper Metallic (Not available on Ranger/Pacer/wagons)
X - Gold Metallic (Not available on Ranger/Pacer/wagons)
P - Primer*
S - Special Mix*

*A dozen Roundups were set aside as Edsel Service vehicles, and painted Edsel Green and White. These were given paint code "SSS".
At least one early Pacer was found to have a paint code of "P" - primer!

Color Combinations Available
(Note that Frost White and Snow White are interchangeable color codes)

Single-Tone
Refer to the color chart above for available colors.

Two-Tone
Two-Tone Paint option had either the body, roof or scallop painted a different color than the other sections.

Black with Red, Coral, Copper, Gold, White or Yellow
Silver with Red, Coral, White or Yellow
Red with Black, Gray or White
Turquoise with White
White with any color except Yellow
Powder Blue with White or Royal Blue
Horizon Blue with White
Royal Blue with White or Powder Blue
Ice Green with White or Spruce Green
Spring Green with White or Driftwood
Spruce Green with White or Ice Green
Brown with White, Driftwood or Yellow
Driftwood with White, Spring Green, Brown or Yellow
Yellow with Black, Gray, Brown, Driftwood or Coral
Coral with Black, Gray, White or Yellow
Chalk Pink with White or Brown
Copper with Black or White
Gold with Black or White

Exceptions:

• Black/Red, Black/Yellow, Black/Coral, Gray/White, Gray/Yellow, Gray/Red, Gray/Coral, Blue/Blue, Green/Green, Yellow/Coral were not available on Bermuda.
• Black/Coppper and Black/Gold were only available on Citation and Corsair.
• Turquoise/White was not available on Villager/Roundup wagons or Ranger/Pacer sedans.
• Gray/Red was not available on Bermuda or Pacer sedans.
• Coral/White was only available on Bermuda and Pacer sedans.
• Brown/Yellow was not available on Bermuda or Pacer convertibles.

Tri-Tone

Pacer hardtop
CAE - Red body, Black roof, White scallop
DAE - Turquoise body, Black roof, White scallop
QER - Yellow body, White roof, Coral scallop (Discontinued in 1957)
RAE - Coral body, Black roof, White scallop

Citation and Corsair hardtops
CEB - Red body, White roof, Silver scallop
DEA - Turquoise body, White roof, Black scallop
UAE - Copper body, Black roof, White scallop
XEA - Gold body, White roof, Black scallop
TEM - Pink body, White roof, Brown scallop (Not available on Corsair)

Citation Hardtop - 7 styles
(Inserts are Random Square pattern cloth)
H - Light Blue vinyl bolsters with Medium Blue cloth inserts
J - White vinyl bolsters with Turquiose cloth inserts
K - Light Green vinyl bolsters with Medium Green cloth inserts
L - White vinyl bolsters with Gold cloth inserts
Z - Pink vinyl bolsters with Charcoal Brown cloth inserts
AA - Black vinyl bolsters with Black cloth inserts
AB - White vinyl bolsters with Copper cloth inserts

Citation Convertible - 5 styles
S - White vinyl bolsters with Turquiose vinyl inserts
T - White vinyl bolsters with Gold vinyl inserts
AC - Pink vinyl bolsters with Charcoal Brown vinyl inserts
AD - White vinyl bolsters with Red vinyl inserts
AE - White vinyl bolsters with Copper vinyl inserts

Citation Convertible Tops - 4 colors
Turquiose, Copper, Black, White (Codes were not listed on the data plate)

Corsair Hardtop - 6 styles
(Inserts are pleated nylon cloth)
B - Light Blue vinyl bolsters with Medium Blue cloth inserts
C - White vinyl bolsters with Turquiose cloth inserts
D - Light Green vinyl bolsters with Medium Green cloth inserts
E - White vinyl bolsters with Gold cloth inserts
X - Gray vinyl bolsters with Red cloth inserts
Y - White vinyl bolsters with Copper cloth inserts

Pacer Sedan - 3 styles
(Inserts are Chain pattern cloth)
D - Light Brown broadcloth bolsters with Charcoal Brown cloth inserts
E - Light Green broadcloth bolsters with Dark Green cloth inserts
F - Light Blue broadcloth bolsters with Dark Blue cloth inserts

Pacer Hardtop - 6 styles
(Inserts are Chain pattern cloth)
R - White boxcalf vinyl bolsters with Charcoal Brown cloth inserts
S - White boxcalf vinyl bolsters with Sunset Coral cloth inserts
T - Light Green boxcalf vinyl bolsters with Dark Green cloth inserts
V - Light Blue boxcalf vinyl bolsters with Dark Blue cloth inserts
AX - White boxcalf vinyl bolsters with Ember Red cloth inserts
AY - White boxcalf vinyl bolsters with Turquoise cloth inserts

Pacer Convertible - 4 styles
AJ - White boxcalf vinyl bolsters with Sunset Coral boxcalf vinyl inserts
AN - White boxcalf vinyl bolsters with Black nylon chain cloth inserts
AV - White boxcalf vinyl bolsters with Turquiose boxcalf vinyl inserts
AZ - White boxcalf vinyl bolsters with Ember Red boxcalf vinyl inserts

Pacer Convertible Tops - 4 colors
Turquiose, Coral, Black, White (Codes were not listed on the data plate)

Ranger Sedan - 3 styles
(Inserts are Surf pattern cloth)
A - Light Green broadcloth bolsters with Dark Green cloth inserts
B - Light Blue broadcloth bolsters with Dark Blue cloth inserts
C - Gray broadcloth bolsters with Black cloth inserts

Ranger Hardtop - 3 styles
(Inserts are Surf pattern cloth, hourglass style pattern)
K - White boxcalf vinyl bolsters with Green cloth inserts
M - White boxcalf vinyl bolsters with Blue cloth inserts
N - White boxcalf vinyl bolsters with Black cloth inserts

Roundup & Villager Wagons - 4 styles
BA - White boxcalf vinyl bolsters with Light Green vinyl inserts
BB - White boxcalf vinyl bolsters with Light Blue vinyl inserts
BC - Black boxcalf vinyl bolsters with Golden Beige cloth inserts
BD - Red boxcalf vinyl bolsters with Golden Beige cloth inserts

Bermuda Wagon - 5 styles
(Interior stitching pattern on the vinyl is straight horizontal lines about 1.5 inches apart. "Saran Jug" pattern cloth featured arrowhead-style triangles of various shades in a random pattern.)
AJ - White vinyl bolsters with Sunset Coral vinyl inserts
AS - Light Green vinyl bolsters with Dark Green vinyl inserts
AT - Light Blue vinyl bolsters with Dark Blue vinyl inserts
AU - Driftwood vinyl bolsters with Brown Saran Jug pattern cloth inserts
AV - White vinyl bolsters with Turquoise vinyl inserts

Colors and codes:

Citation Hardtop
H - Medium Blue (Available with body color Blue)
J - Turquoise (Available with body color White or Turquoise)
K - Medium Green (Available with body color Green)
L - Gold (Available with body color White or Gold)
Z - Copper (Available with body color Pink or Brown)
AA - Gray (Available with body color Black or Gray)
AB - Copper (Available with body color White or Copper)

Corsair Hardtop
B - Medium Blue (Available with body color Blue)
C - Turquoise (Available with body color White or Turquoise)
D - Medium Green (Available with body color Green)
E - Gold (Available with body color White or Gold)
X - Gray (Available with body color Red or Gray)
Y - Copper (Available with body color White or Copper)

Citation Convertible
S - Turquoise (Available with body color White or Turquoise)
T - Gold (Available with body color White or Gold)
AC - Copper (Available with body color Pink or Brown)
AD - Gray (Available with body color White or Red)
AE - Copper (Available with body color White or Copper)

Ranger Sedan (All Ranger sedans originally came with Black rubber mat flooring)
A - Medium Green (Available with body color Green)
B - Medium Blue (Available with body color Blue)
C - Black (Available with body color Black or Gray)

Ranger Hardtop (All Ranger hardtops originally came with Black rubber mat flooring)
K - Medium Green (Available with body color White or Green)
M - Medium Blue (Available with body color White or Blue)
N - Black (Available with body color White or Black)

Pacer Sedan
D - Brown (Available with body color Brown. Originally came with Brown rubber floor mat)
E - Medium Green (Available with body color Green. Originally came with Light Green rubber floor mat)
F - Medium Blue (Available with body color Blue. Originally came with Light Blue rubber floor mat)

Pacer Hardtop
R - Brown (Available with body color White or Brown. Originally came with Brown rubber floor mat)
S - Coral (Available with body color White or Coral. Originally came with Coral rubber floor mat)
T - Medium Green (Available with body color Green. Originally came with Light Green rubber floor mat)
V - Medium Blue (Available with body color Blue. Originally came with Light Blue rubber floor mat)
AX - Black (Available with body color White or Red. Originally came with Red rubber floor mat)
AY - Turquoise (Available with body color White or Turquoise. Originally came with Turquoise rubber floor mat)

Wagons and Pacer Convertibles were not available with carpet:
Villager (All Villagers originally came with Black rubber floor mat for all colors)

Roundup (All Roundups originally came with Black rubber floor mat for all colors)

Bermuda (Available rubber floor mat color combinations:)
AJ - Coral (Available with body color White or Coral)
AS - Light Green (Available with body color Green)
AT - Light Blue (Available with body color Blue)
AU - Brown (Available with body color Driftwood or Brown)
AV - Turquoise (Available with body color White or Turquoise)

Pacer Convertible (Available rubber floor mat color combinations:)
AJ - Coral (Available with body color White or Coral)
AN - Black (Available with body color White or Black)
AV - Turquoise (Available with body color White or Turquoise)
AZ - Red (Available with body color White or Red)

Citation/Corsair - Windshield, doors and side glass can be found on the 1957 and 1958 Mercury of the same body type.  (Rear glass is unique to Edsel.)  Wheel rims are identical to 1957 to 1960 Mercury.  410 Engine exhaust manifold to muffler inlet gasket is identical to the current Nissan gasket number 20692-1E810.

Pacer/Ranger - Doors and all glass can be found on the 1957 and 1958 Ford Fairlane and Fairlane 500 models of the same body type.  Wheel rims are identical to 1957 to 1960 Mercury.

Bermuda/Villager/Roundup - Sheetmetal from the firewall back is the same as the 1957 Ford wagons.  Doors and all glass is the same as the 1958 Ford wagons.  The front doors can also be found on the 1957 and 1958 Ford Custom and Custom 300 sedans.  Wheel rims are identical to 1957 and 1958 Ford.

If you have an interchange tip, please contact admin@edsel.com!

All Ranger/Pacer/Villager/Roundup/Bermudas used 8.00 x 14 4-ply as the standard, and 6-ply as an option.  Corsair/Citation used 8.50 x 14, 4 or 6 ply.

Conversion chart

• 8.00 x 14 became G78-14 in the 1970s. Today's radial tire equivalent is 205-75R-14.
• 8.50 x 14 became H78-14 in the 1970s. Today's radial tire equivalent is 215-75R-14.

(Thanks to Gary Lancianese for the 2003 tire code update.)

Many Edsel owners have reported a marked improvement in handling with radial tires in place of the bias-ply, and if the rims are in good solid shape, they will accommodate the radial tires without a problem.
But you should be aware of the following warning from radial tire manufacturers:

"When replacing bias ply tires with radial, please refer to the auto manufacturers recommendations.  Rims designed for bias tires can crack because of the extra stress placed on them with radial tires.  Interchangeability is not always possible because of rim sizes, wheel well clearance and load ratings.  Never mix tires of different size or construction (radial and bias) on the same vehicle.  Vehicles designed for bias ply tires may drive considerably different on radial tires.  Caution should be used."

The 1958 Edsel hub cap was just that -
a 10.5 inch diameter cap that covered
the center of the wheel.

It was also used on the 1959 and 1960
model Edsels.

The full wheel cover was optional. Fifteen and a quarter inches in diameter, it has an embossed "E" in a flat black circle in the center of the cover. They were also used on some 1959 and 1960 Edsels, if the spinner was applied (see below).

Twelve chrome ridges separate "Argent"-painted sections surrounding the wheel cover. (Argent spray lacquer is available from Ford dealers, paint code D7AZ-19000-A.)

An added option was the "spinner".  A chrome circle
suspended above the wheel cover with three chrome tines
made the wheel covers look sharp.  Unfortunately they also
made them quite heavy (about 8 lbs each) and, according to
a few owners, prone to flying off at highway speeds.

When the spinner is applied, a circular plate painted as
the main body color (or sometimes the secondary trim color
if the body color is white) is attached between the cover
and the spinner.  A hole in the center allows the "E" to still
be displayed.

The Edsel was one of the most gadget-laden medium-priced cars of the '50s. This made the dealers happy because the mark-up on accessories was almost 32%, and depending on how many features were added, the price of the car could jump hundreds of dollars!

Here is a list of the available optional equipment and accessories, sorted by their retail prices:

Air Suspension
Several prototypes were designed with "Edsel-Aire" ride (4-wheel airbag suspension with auto-leveling valves) but no production or pilot cars ever had the option installed.  An intra-company communication dated January 8, 1958 on file at the Benson Ford Archives at Dearborn lists the sales item numbers for forty advance production Edsels with air suspension installed: seventeen Citation four-door hardtops, sixteen Pacer four-door hardtops, two Pacer sedans, one Pacer convertible, one Ranger two-door sedan, one Corsair two-door hardtop and one Corsair four-door hardtop, plus four additional Pacer four-door hardtops that were shipped to various regional service centers to be retrofit with air suspension kits shipped from San Jose.  San Jose built one air suspension Edsel, Louisville assembled the rest of the junior series, and Wayne assembled all of the seniors.  Two nine-passenger Bermudas were ordered from Louisville initially, but cancelled.
Edsel Division Product Engineering reports chronicled the testing frequently, even to the point that, in early October, eight air suspension Edsels were placed in "varying degrees of service".  In January, 1958 three air-suspended Edsels were transported to Bemidji, Minnesota to test the system in very cold weather.
Since the system failed, an alcohol inhaler system was briefly proposed to salvage the program.  It turned out to be too little too late, since air suspension for Edsel never reached regular production.
In the early 1980's, Dave Jenkins, retired advertising account executive for Foote, Cone and Belding in Chicago related an account to a group of Edsel owners in Los Angeles about a FoMoCo-owned air suspension Pacer he was allowed to drive for a while.  He said the car was eventually removed from its chassis, and had a conventionally sprung frame rolled under it, upon which the car was returned to the possession of FoMoCo and probably sold as a demonstrator.  Dave saved some of the components from that air suspension system, and they supposedly survive today.
On a side note, many hundreds of Fords were produced beginning January 2, 1958 with a similar system.  They were never shipped to areas where temperatures ever dropped to less than 10 degrees below zero Fahrenheit, as related in the Edsel Division Product Engineering reports.

Dual Inside-Outside Thermometer
One sensor on the gauge, one on the horsecollar grille.  This was another almost-made-it-to-production accessory.

Headlights-On Warning Signal
Considered standard in today's cars, this indicator would buzz if the ignition was turned off while the headlights were still on.

Electric Door Locks
The Edsel was going to use the Lincoln and Continental door lock system, but because the locks had no "electric unlock" functionality, the idea was dropped.

Vac-U-Start
Designed to automatically re-start your Edsel if it were to stall, by just shifting to Park or Neutral.  Unfortunately, the car would start even if you didn't want it to.  Amazingly, this accessory was installed on a few 1957 Lincolns!

Integrated Power Steering for the E400
Edsel integral power steering (where fluid pressure is converted directly into steering force rather than using an external control valve to operate a hydraulic ram) was, in fact, first installed December 4, 1957 for the E475 only.  The Edsel Division Product Engineering progress reports state unequivocally that the integral power steering for junior series was never implemented, having been dropped as a proposed regular production option (RPO) item on February 4, 1958.
Integral power steering (XR-49) is a separate concept from the crankshaft-driven power steering pump but, as it turned out, belt-driven pumps available at the time were inadequate to drive the system.  Since the crankshaft-driven pump was already developed for use with Lincoln and Mercury, the E475 got the combined system with little added engineering effort.  FE blocks as of that date (332, 352, 361), on the other hand, used exclusively belt-driven pumps, so Edsel Division would had to have single-handedly, as it were, engineer and procure a specific pump for FE block in order to incorporate the integral power steering system for the junior series.
With sales already dismal by December 1957, the wise decision was made to scrap plans for the costly development of XR-49 power steering system for Edsel Ranger, Pacer and wagon.

Dual-Range Teletouch
A six-button Teletouch Automatic transmission shifter, to accompany the new Cruise-O-Matic 3-speed automatic.  Commonly thought to be never produced, Dual Range transmission is mentioned in the Edsel Division Product Engineering progress reports until as late as January 21, 1958, when the date for first installation was projected as May, 1958.  At least one each junior and senior series engineering prototype were fitted with the dual-range transmission in late June 1957, but it isn't known if the selectors were lever or push-button.
From the actual existence of a few Dual-Range Teletouch parts in private collections today, and the listing of the correct Dual-range Teletouch service parts in the July 1958 MEL Parts and Accessories Price and Master Reference List, it might be inferred that a few Edsel engineering test vehicles with the system actually did enter service and stay there.  Nevertheless, the 1959 and 1960-issued Master Parts Catalogs don't list these parts at all.  There are also unconfirmed reports of a small number of dual-range Teletouch Edsels that had survived.  It is known that the dual range transmission was to be coupled with the 2.69:1 gear ratio rear axle and this is how they were tested, but on February 4, 1958, both of these options were deleted as RPO items for all Edsels.

Padded Header
The headliner would have a foam pad glued underneath it with a depression built in, presumably so that the sun visors would fit flush with the inside roof.  This was dropped as an option on February 4, 1958.

Balanced Traction Differential
Originally targeted for introduction December 2, 1957, the Ford Division rejected the option for its 1958 models that same month, making the availability of a limited slip third member for Edsel unlikely until at least the 1959 year.  No installations on 1958 Edsel were ever reported.

Economy Rear Axle Ratio
This 2.69:1 gear cluster was intended to mate up with the aforementioned dual-range transmission, but both were deleted as proposed Edsel options on February 4, 1958.

Integral Air Conditioner with "Spot Cooler"
This item was at one time proposed for Edsel introduction on April 15, 1958.  The system had already been introduced for 1958 Ford and Mercury, but added tooling expense and a glut of the older style vented-above-the-dash cooling/heating units made the spot cooler type impractical for 1958 Edsel.  This system was, however, installed on Edsel beginning in the 1959 model year.  On a side-note, in order to deplete the stock of excess old-style integral air conditioning/heater systems, they were made available as kits for dealer installation by February 1958.  The hang-on style air conditioners (sometimes referred to as "Polar-aire") weren't initially available for the junior series until January 2, 1958 and for senior series cars until January 7, 1958.

Gasoline Heater Booster
While it's true that warm gasoline vapor makes for better fuel-air mixing than cold, not much is mentioned of this option past July of 1957, when it was still a gleam in some pyromaniac's eye.

Available for a Limited Time: Electric Wipers Electric Windshield Wipers were replaced with vacuum-powered wipers on all Citations and Corsairs in production, starting on August 22, 1957.  The common perception places blame on the supplier (Delco-Remy) as being unable to provide the motors for the Edsel.  In fact, electric wipers on the senior series Edsel were never intended to be long-term options.
Jere Gauss explains:

  "Last year, I had the exciting opportunity to pour through the Edsel Division Product Engineering 10-day and monthly progress reports covering all of calendar year 1957, and a month or two into 1956 and 1958 as well.  One of the many revelations I dug up was the fact that the electric wipers on Edsel senior series (and presumably Mercury MEL blocks as well) were never meant to be available indefinitely.
What is well-documented in these reports (archived at the Benson Ford Research Library at the Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn) is the fact that the Delco electric wiper system was a so-called insurance program, meant to substitute for another system which was proposed but not ready for production in time for Job #1.
  The problem encountered by the engineering staff in June and July 1957 was an unspecified reliability issue with the combination vacuum and oil pump used on the E475, 383cid, 430cid, etc.  Without a decent vacuum source for the wipers, FoMoCo engineers were forced to exercise the alternate electric design, which was undoubtedly more expensive to implement.
  The idea that a sudden shortage of electric motors from Delco caused the demise of the E475 electric wipers has always bothered me, because GM didn't seem to have any problems, and the Delco power antennas used on Edsel continued to be available, it seems, past the September phase-out of the electric wiper system.  I was at a loss to explain any production problems that might have caused their disappearance.  It's also peculiar to notice that in no sales literature or documentation of the day was the electric wipers option listed as available, nor is there anything that specifically states that senior series got the electric wipers as standard equipment.  In fact, on page D-6 of the 1958 Edsel Salesman's Data Book, any mention of electric wipers is conspicuously absent.  It only mentions the vacuum wipers.
  Also, as was commonly the practice of the day, assembly plants with a pipeline already partially full of electric wiper motors were not required to begin vacuum wiper motor installation until the supply of electrics had run out.  I have not found anything specifically mentioning this procedure as it applied to the wipers, but it was called out when the rectangular plastic windshield washer bottle for air conditioned cars was no longer considered necessary in December 1957.  Consequently, August 22, 1957 was not a hard production break date, and this explains why there are many early September L.A. cars that have electric wipers."