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1958 Edsel Citation Hardtop

01

Artifact Overview

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 Details

Artifact

Automobile

Date Made

1958

Location

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
1958 Edsel Citation Hardtop