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One of 1,343 1959 Edsel Corsair Convertibles produced, this stunning red & white example was built in the Louisville, Kentucky plant on February 25, 1959 and sports the following original features: top of the line Super Express Engine (361 cid, 303 hp, FE series), Dual-Power Transmission (3-speed automatic), 2.91:1 Rear Axle, Power Steering, Power Brakes and Power Convertible Top.
The VIN of W9UR727300 confirms that it is a Corsair Convertible (the R code) with a Super Express Engine (the W code) as well as Kentucky production plant (the U code). The data plate indicates a Corsair Convertible (code 76E) as well as exterior red & white color (code FE), February 25, 1959 production date (code 25B), Dual-Power Automatic Transmission (code 4) and 2.91:1 Axle Ratio (code 5).
Edsel.com reports that less than 6,000 of the 110,847 Edsels produced have survived. It has been estimated by other sources that less than 25 1959 Corsair Convertibles have survived. While the Edsel brand has long been considered the most notorious bomb of automobile history, it incredibly has experienced a growing reputational resurgence among collectors in recent years.
It would be a significant challenge to find a more stunning and correct example of Edsel’s 1959 flagship and most expensive model, the Corsair Convertible. This fine investment grade vehicle is a head turner that’s fun to drive, show and enjoy; it runs, looks and drives like a dream.
Edsel History:
In 1956 Ford Motor Company realized that there was a void in their selections of mid-size/price automobiles. While Chevrolet owners could "move up" to a Buick, Pontiac or Oldsmobile (and Dodge owners could advance to a Plymouth or Chrysler), Ford buyers were looking at Mercury alone. The perception was that Ford was losing customers to other manufacturers when the time came to trade-up. 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. The Edsel division and vehicles (named after Henry Ford’s oldest and deceased son) were the result.
Despite unprecedented hype, Edsel sales fell far below Ford’s projections from the day of launch on September 4, 1957. Barely two years later Ford pulled the plug after production of 110,847 vehicles (63,107 1958 models, 44,891 1959 models and 2,849 1960 models); less than a quarter of what was projected.
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, sales of Buick were down 33% from 1957, Mercury 48%, Oldsmobile 18%, Dodge 47%, Pontiac 28% and DeSoto 54% - probably the worst year since World War II to unveil a new car line). In addition to this bad timing 1) Edsel's styling was radical and not to everyone's liking, 2) there were some parts and service problems (these actually tend to be somewhat overstated), 3) Ford Vice President Robert McNamara offered little support to the Edsel Division, 4) the Edsel was more expensive than other comparable cars, and the price of the loaded, top-of-the-line models that were the first on the showroom floor scared many buyers, 5) there was no owner loyalty to count on, and finally 6) it had a funny name.
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