Editing Edsel (section)

===1958===
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|image1 = Edsel Pacer 1958 (4922383186).jpg
|image2 = 1958 Edsel Pacer Convertible - interior (7612478584).jpg
|footer = (Left): A 1958 [[Edsel Pacer]] two-door hardtop. (right): An Edsel Pacer interior, showing the [[Teletouch]] system and Rolling Dome speedometer
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For its inaugural model year, Edsel introduced a seven-model product line, including four sedans and three station wagons.<ref name="flory2008">{{cite book|last=Flory Jr.|first=J. "Kelly"|title=American Cars, 1946–1959 Every Model Every Year|year=2008|publisher=McFarland & Company, Inc., Publishers|isbn=978-0-7864-3229-5}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Directory Index: Edsel/1958_Edsel/1958_Edsel_Foldout|url=http://www.oldcarbrochures.com/static/NA/Edsel/1958_Edsel/1958_Edsel_Foldout/1958%20Edsel%20Foldout-02.html|access-date=2020-09-26|website=www.oldcarbrochures.com}}</ref>  The lower-trim [[Edsel Ranger]] and [[Edsel Pacer]] shared bodies with [[1957 Ford|Ford Fairlane]] sedans ({{convert|118|in|cm|adj=on}} wheelbase) while the higher-trim [[Edsel Corsair]] and [[Edsel Citation]] shared bodies with the [[Mercury Monterey#1957–1958|Mercury Monterey]] and [[Mercury Montclair#Second generation (1957–1958)|Mercury Montclair]] sedans ({{convert|124|in|cm|adj=on}} wheelbase).<ref name="flory2008" />  Sharing its body and {{convert|116|in|cm|adj=on}} wheelbase with Ford station wagons, Edsel had the two-door [[Edsel Roundup]] and the four-door [[Edsel Villager]] and [[Edsel Bermuda]].

The Edsel model line had multiple design features that were considered innovative.<ref name=":0">{{cite web|title=Directory Index: Edsel/1958_Edsel/1958_Edsel_Foldout|url=http://www.oldcarbrochures.com/static/NA/Edsel/1958_Edsel/1958_Edsel_Foldout/1958%20Edsel%20Foldout-03.html|access-date=2011-11-08|website=OldCarBrochures.com}}</ref>  In place of a horizontal strip or a round dial, the [[speedometer]] was a rotating dome. In line with aircraft design, the dashboard adopted warning lights for conditions such as low oil level, parking brake engaged, and engine overheating.<ref name=":0" />  While not equipped with [[cruise control]], Edsel introduced a speed warning on the speedometer if the driver exceeded a preset speed limit.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Directory Index: Edsel/1958_Edsel/1958_Edsel_Features|url=http://www.oldcarbrochures.com/static/NA/Edsel/1958_Edsel/1958_Edsel_Features/1958%20Edsel-10.html|access-date=2020-09-26|website=www.oldcarbrochures.com}}</ref>  While a standard column-mounted transmission shifter was offered, as a delete option, Edsel marked the introduction of the [[Teletouch]] push-button shifting system, mounted in the steering wheel hub.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Directory Index: Edsel/1958_Edsel/1958_Edsel_Features|url=http://www.oldcarbrochures.com/static/NA/Edsel/1958_Edsel/1958_Edsel_Features/1958%20Edsel-02.html|access-date=2020-09-26|website=www.oldcarbrochures.com}}</ref>

Edsels integrated many elements of the [[Lifeguard (automobile safety)|Ford Lifeguard]] safety package into its design.  Along with optional seatbelts, Edsels featured a deep-dish steering wheel, double-latched doors, and childproof rear door locks.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1">{{cite web|title=Directory Index: Edsel/1958_Edsel/1958_Edsel_Sell-O-Graph|url=http://www.oldcarbrochures.com/static/NA/Edsel/1958_Edsel/1958_Edsel_Sell-O-Graph/1958%20Edsel%20Sell-O-Graph-04a.html|access-date=2011-11-08|website=OldCarBrochures.com}}</ref> The model line was among the first to introduce remote-operated trunk opening and self-adjusting brakes.<ref name=":1"/>

In the first year, 63,110 Edsels were sold in the United States, and 4,935 were sold in Canada. Though below expectations, this nevertheless represented the second-largest launch for any new car brand to date, exceeded only by the [[DeSoto (automobile)|DeSoto]] introduction in 1929. One four-door Citation model was purchased and delivered in October 1957 to the United Kingdom for [[Ian Russell, 13th Duke of Bedford]]. Its current whereabouts is unknown.  In January 1958, the free-standing Edsel division was added to Lincoln–Mercury, with the re-christened Mercury–Edsel–Lincoln Division (M–E–L) adopting Edsel sales and marketing operations.  As the model year progressed and sales fell under expectations, multiple Edsel-only dealers closed or expanded their brand offerings with the encouragement of Ford Motor Company, including Lincoln–Mercury or imported [[Ford of Britain]] and [[Ford of Germany]] franchises.