Ford declared “E-Day” on 4 September 1957 to announce its all-new Edsel line. Celebrations across a network of Edsel-exclusive dealerships featured promotions from an all-new sales and marketing organization. “They’ll know you’ve arrived when you drive up in the 1958 Edsel, the car that’s truly new, from nameplate to taillights!” crowed the baritone announcer in one of many enthusiastic television commercials. Such was the hype behind the Edsel that it was touted as a completely new experience in motoring. In reality, designer Roy Brown created a pastiche of themes old and new, including a classical upright grille, yet fenders shorn of the then-trendy tailfins. Engineers incorporated such features as Teletouch Drive, in which the automatic transmission was operated from buttons in the steering wheel hub, and a “rolling dome” speedometer.

That the result landed with the public like a lead balloon is now part of Detroit lore, with the Edsel remembered as a colossal failure that reshaped how American cars were planned and sold. Yet this ignores that the Edsel really was different in its looks, and underneath was still a well-engineered, solidly built, and very good automobile. Today it is widely considered one of the most famous American cars of its era, supported by a very active worldwide club of fans.

The most prestigious of the original 1958 Edsels was the Citation Convertible, of which just 930 were built. The example offered here was one of several Fords of this era chosen by the late Terence E. Adderley for his impressive collection. Acquired from an owner of nearly 20 years in 2015, it wears an older restoration in Ember Red and Snow White—a change from its original Powder Blue—and is equipped with the Citation’s 345-horsepower, 410-cubic-inch V-8 and Teletouch Drive. In attractive overall condition, it would be a wonderful, distinctive choice for cruise nights or club tours in the coming years, offering ample power and wonderful comforts—always being capable of starting a conversation.

They’ll know you’ve arrived, indeed.