1958 Edsel Pacer Convertible

Beautiful Restoration

Total Production just 1,876

Finished in Ford’s “Ember Red”

​

The 1950s was a time for trial and experimentation for U.S. automobile builders. Not only were there grand styling cues like aircraft-inspired pods and tailfins, but also big engines were becoming more powerful by the day. This experimentation was not limited to design either as some companies even built whole new brands. In particular, Ford was spending the 1950s in grand fashion starting with the gorgeous Continental Mark II in 1956. When the line closed after just two years Ford launched the new Edsel for 1958. It was a car for everyone with 18 models spread out over four different series. With names like Ranger, Pacer, Corsair, and Citation, the Edsel projected an image of grandeur, but it was a crowded time in the car market and buyers had much to choose from. Despite the Edsel’s lack of public appeal, it was a car that featured a good degree of styling, but the motoring public was confused with regard to its place. Confusion reigned as car buyers tried to figure out if the Edsel was above or below other Fords and Mercury’s in the line-up. Before anyone could figure out the answer the Edsel had vanished from the motoring landscape.

Offered here is a great example of the Edsel in the way of a 1958 Pacer Convertible. The Pacer was the second tier in the Edsel’s progressive line-up and featured just a bit more dazzle than the entry level Ranger. This example is finished in Ember Red with Silver Gray rear quarter coves. Styling for the 1958 Edsel was directly in line with many other cars for the model year, but what set it apart was a tall oval grille that harkened back to the days when grand Pierce Arrows and gorgeous Packard’s announced their arrival from some distance away. Some loved it and some hated it, but there was no doubt it was an Edsel from any distance. This Pacer convertible rides on a 118-inch wheelbase and is fitted with its correct factory hub caps and wide white wall tires. Power comes from a 361 cubic-inch V-8 rated at 303 horsepower and the engine compartment on this car is clean and well sorted. A white interior makes for a pleasing contrast to its brilliant red paint and this Edsel retains its factory parade boot in red. There may be no shortage of Chevrolets, Plymouths, DeSotos, and Ford convertibles from 1958, but with total of just 1,876 built, the Pacer convertible was rare then and is even rarer today.

The Edsel remains today as a dazzling entry into the iconic era of the 1950s. It was a time when Elvis sang “Love me Tender” and “Hound Dog,” and America had some great cars. The Edsel lasted little more than the Continental Mark II and Ford lost 350 million dollars on the entire venture. In the end the Edsel died a quiet death disguised as a Mercury Comet. With its low production this Pacer convertible is a rare car that’s sure to be the only one of its kind at any show. For the ultimate in a classic cruiser from the 1950s, this Pacer convertible is ready for show or go

Contact Alex Dragone for more info. 203-218-1903 or alexdragone1@gmail.com