People either like Edsels or they don’t. So many people didn’t, that the name became a metaphor for failure. Yet apart from the controversial styling and innovative Teletouch automatic transmission, it was much like any other Ford Motor Company mid-priced car.

The styling is attributed to the late Roy Brown, whose tour de force was the later British Ford Cortina, quite conventional and a very popular car.

Perhaps the Edsel’s real mistake was to aim at a market segment that wasn’t there. Priced both below and above Mercury, it was a real enigma. By the time product planners realized it could not succeed as both a lower-middle and upper-middle priced car, its image had been irreparably tarnished.

This Edsel, from the top-line Citation series, is powered by the “E-475” engine, named for its torque rating. Of 410-cid, it develops 345-hp. The transmission is Edsel’s “Teletouch” automatic, controlled by pushbuttons in the center of the steering wheel. It has power steering, power brakes, fender skirts, an AM pushbutton signal-seeking radio, the Dial-a-Temp heater-defroster, dashboard tachometer, windshield washers and an electric clock.

The brilliant white paint is in very good condition, with only minor blemishes, and is nicely contrasted by red side coves. There is a black canvas convertible top with red vinyl boot, the top is in good condition, but the boot shows some wear. The upholstery is red and white vinyl, nicely set off by red carpet. The engine compartment and undercarriage are clean and well detailed.

Edsels are not everyone’s cup of tea. This one, however, will appeal to all who appreciate the marque.