1958 Edsel Citation Hardtop

Summary

The public didn't know what to make of the Edsel's styling. Like other fashionable 1950s cars, it was big (over 18 feet long) and colorful (161 paint combinations), with four headlights and lots of chrome. But the grille -- ah, the grille. Edsel stylists said it echoed classic 1930s cars. Wise guys said it looked like a Buick sucking a lemon. After only 27 months, Edsel production ceased.

The public didn't know what to make of the Edsel's styling. Like other fashionable 1950s cars, it was big (over 18 feet long) and colorful (161 paint combinations), with four headlights and lots of chrome. But the grille -- ah, the grille. Edsel stylists said it echoed classic 1930s cars. Wise guys said it looked like a Buick sucking a lemon. After only 27 months, Edsel production ceased.

Artifact

Automobile

Date Made

1958

Driving America
 On Exhibit

at Henry Ford Museum in Driving America

Object ID

58.91.1

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford. Gift of Ford Motor Company.

Material

Cloth
Glass (Material)
Metal
Plastic
Rubber (Material)
Vinyl

Color

Green
White (Color)

Dimensions

Height: 57 in

Width: 80 in

Length: 219 in

Weight: 4398 lbs

Inscriptions

On sides near rear: EDSEL On sides near front: Citation

Specifications

Make & Model: 1958 Edsel Citation hardtop

Maker: Ford Motor Company, Dearborn, Michigan

Engine: V-8, overhead valves, 410 cubic inches

Transmission: 3-speed automatic

Height: 57 inches

Wheelbase: 124 inches

Width: 80 inches

Overall length: 219 inches

Weight: 4136 pounds

Horsepower: 345 at 4600 revolutions per minute

Pounds per horsepower: 11.9

Price: $3,500

Average 1958 wage: $4,707 per year

Time you'd work to buy this car: about 8-1/2 months

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