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
