Edsel Citation

The Edsel Citation is an automobile that was produced by the Edsel division of Ford for the 1958 model year. The flagship Edsel model line,[3] the Citation was offered as a two-door convertible; all Citation sedans were produced as hardtops. Slotted above the Corsair, the exterior of the Citation was distinguished by additional stainless steel trim and a gold-anodized aluminum cove panel (emulating the Mercury Turnpike Cruiser).

Edsel Citation
Overview
ManufacturerEdsel (Ford)
Model years1958
AssemblyLouisville Assembly Plant, Louisville, Kentucky
Somerville Assembly, Somerville, Massachusetts
Los Angeles Assembly, Pico Rivera, California
Ford River Rouge Complex, Dearborn, Michigan
Oakville Assembly, Oakville, Ontario, Canada
Body and chassis
ClassFull-size
Body style2-door convertible
2-door hardtop
4-door hardtop
ChassisBody-on-frame
RelatedEdsel Corsair
Mercury Turnpike Cruiser
Mercury Montclair
Mercury Monterey
Powertrain
EngineFord 410 cu in (6.7 L) MEL V8
TransmissionFord 3-speed Cruise-O-Matic MX automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase124 in (3,150 mm)[1]
Length218.9 in (5,560 mm)[2]
Width79.8 in (2,027 mm)[1][2]
Curb weight4,300–4,500 lb (1,950–2,041 kg)
Chronology
PredecessorNone
SuccessorEdsel Corsair (1959)
Mercury Montclair (indirect)

In total, 9,299 Citations were produced by Edsel; 930 convertibles were produced, making it the second-rarest 1958 Edsel (following the nine-passenger Edsel Bermuda station wagon; 779 produced).

Citation is one of several Edsel nameplates that would see reuse, as Chevrolet would adopt the name for its 1980–1985 compact model line.

Model overview

When Edsel debuted for the 1958 model year, in place of a brand-specific body and chassis, its lower-cost model lines (the Ranger and Pacer, and all Edsel station wagons) shared their chassis with the Ford Fairlane, while its premium lines (Corsair and Citation) shared their underpinnings with the Mercury Monterey and Montclair.

The Citation was produced solely for 1958. For 1959, Edsel consolidated its model offerings to Ford-based vehicles, including the Ranger, Villager wagon, and Corsair (shifting to a Ford chassis).

Chassis

Alongside the Edsel Corsair, the Edsel Citation shared its chassis with Mercury, extended to a 124-inch wheelbase.[4][1] Using a body-on-frame layout,[5] the Citation shared design commonality with Mercury and Ford, using a leaf-sprung rear axle and independent ball-joint front suspension with coil springs.[1][6]

The Citation was powered by a 410 cubic-inch MEL V8. Introduced for 1958 for Mercury, Edsel, and Lincoln, the 410 was exclusive to the Corsair and Citation (and no Lincoln-Mercury models), producing 345 hp.[6][7] A 3-speed automatic was standard, paired with Teletouch steering wheel transmission controls.[7]

1958 Edsel Citation powertrain details[6][7]
Engine Configuration Fuel system Output Transmission
Horsepower Torque
E-475 V8

(Ford MEL)

 410 cu in (6.7 L) OHV V8 4-bbl carburetor 345 bhp (257 kW) 475 lb⋅ft (644 N⋅m) Ford 3-speed Cruise-O-Matic MX/FX

Body

The Citation was offered as a two-door and four-door hardtop and as a two-door convertible. Among 1958 Edsels, the Citation was the sole Mercury-based model line offered as a convertible. In contrast to other Edsels, the Citation was fitted with the most exterior stainless steel trim and a gold-anodized aluminum cove panel. Multiple paint combinations were available, with two-tone paint (roof and cove panel contrast) or three-tone paint (cove panel painted to contrast the body and the roof).

  • 1958 Edsel Citation 4-door hardtop
  • 1958 Edsel Citation 4-door hardtop (rear view)
  • Dashboard image, 1958 Edsel Citation 4-door hardtop
  • 1958 Edsel Citation, front and rear seats
  • 1958 Edsel Citation convertible
  • 1958 Edsel Citation convertible
  • 1958 Edsel Citation, close up of fender badging

Features

For the time of its 1958 launch, the Citation offered a number of innovative safety and design features.[8] Intended to keep driver hands on the steering wheel, the Teletouch system (relocating transmission controls to the steering wheel hub) was standard on the Citation (optional on the Ranger and Pacer).[7] The instrument panel centered its gauges in front of the steering wheel, including a thermostat-style control for the heating system (air conditioning was an option) and a compass; a tachometer was an option.[8] Along with being one of the first vehicles to feature warning lights to monitor multiple vehicle functions, the speedometer of the Citation indicated a warning if a preset speed was exceeded.[8][9] A unique option was "Edsel Lubricator", allowing the car to lubricate itself by the touch of a dashboard button (presuming the owner kept the reservoir filled).[10] Along with power brakes, power steering, and power windows,[11] the Citation offered internal releases for the trunk and hood.[8]

The Citation adopted several elements of the Ford Lifeguard safety system, standardizing a padded dashboard,[12] deep-dish steering wheel and double-latched doors;[8] options included seat belts[13] and an early form of childproof door locks.[3][14]

Production
Production Figures
Body Style Units
2-Door Convertible930
2-Door Hardtop Coupe2,781
4-Door Hardtop Sedan5,588
Total 9,299


References
  • Bonsall, Thomas E. (2002). Disaster in Dearborn: The Story of the Edsel. Stamford University Press. ISBN 0-8047-4654-0.
  • Duetsch, Jan (1976). The Edsel and Corporate Responsibility. Yale University Press. ISBN 0-300-01950-5.
  • Heasley, Jerry (1977). The Production Figure Book For U.S. Cars. Motorbooks International. ISBN 0-87938-042-X.
  • Triplett, Ty (1990). The Edsel Owner's Handbook, Second Revision. International Edsel Club. n/a.
  • Flory, J. "Kelly", Jr. American Cars 1946-1959. Jefferson, NC: McFarland & Coy, 2008.

Notes
  1. Warnock, C Gayle (1980). The Edsel Affair. Pro West.
  2. "Directory Index: Edsel/1958_Edsel/1958_Edsel_Sell-O-Graph". Oldcarbrochures.com. Retrieved 2011-11-09.
  3. Gunnell, John A. (ed.). Standard Catalog of American Cars 1946-1975. krause publications. ISBN 0-87341-027-0.
  4. Flory, J. "Kelly", Jr. American Cars 1946-1959 (Jefferson, NC: McFarland & Coy, 2008), p.888.
  5. "Directory Index: Edsel/1958_Edsel/1958_Edsel_Foldout". Oldcarbrochures.com. Retrieved 2011-11-09.
  6. "1958 Edsel Full Line Folder". www.oldcarbrochures.com. Retrieved 2019-05-03.
  7. Flory, p.890.
  8. "1958 Edsel Full Line Folder". www.oldcarbrochures.com. Retrieved 2019-05-04.
  9. "Directory Index: Edsel/1958_Edsel/1958_Edsel_Features". www.oldcarbrochures.com. Retrieved 2019-05-04.
  10. "Directory Index: Edsel/1958_Edsel/1958_Edsel_Features". www.oldcarbrochures.com. Retrieved 2019-05-04.
  11. "1958 Edsel Full Line Folder". www.oldcarbrochures.com. Retrieved 2019-05-04.
  12. "1958 Edsel Full Line Prestige Brochure". www.oldcarbrochures.com. Retrieved 2019-05-04.
  13. "Directory Index: Edsel/1958_Edsel/1958_Edsel_Accessories". www.oldcarbrochures.com. Retrieved 2019-05-04.
  14. "Directory Index: Edsel/1958_Edsel/1958_Edsel_Accessories". Oldcarbrochures.com. Retrieved 2011-11-09.
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