MISSING THE MARK.(Escape Roads)

Byline: BROOKS BRIERLEY

Ford's plans for a new line of cars named in honor of Henry Ford's son Edsel were announced in February 1957. Edsel was to be a second Ford Motor Co. brand to win customers away from General Motors' highly successful Buick-Oldsmobile-Pontiac trio. Promotion began that summer with "peekaboo'' ads- showing just part of the new car-appearing in Life magazine. The car was officially introduced in September, as a 1958 model.

Eighteen variants, including five station wagons, were offered in four series with the largest engine a 345-hp V8. Prices ranged from $2,484 to $3,766, right in the middle of the GM trio's price range. Styling was eccentric-a vertical radiator grille was the new car's hallmark. Equally interesting, the design eschewed tail fins at a time when they were an industry rage.

Only 10 configurations were offered for Edsel's second year-in Ranger, Villager wagon and a top-of-the-line Corsair series. There was a modest redesign, too, which toned down the odd shapes in the body. Three V8 engines (with 200, 225 and 303 hp) plus a 145-hp straight six were available, with manual or automatic transmission. The price range was narrowed, $2,629 to $3,072, which repositioned the marque to compete with the top Ford, Chevrolet and Plymouth models. Now Edsel was a low-priced car.

This Corsair four-door hardtop lives at the AACA Museum in Hershey, Pennsylvania. Originally delivered in New England, the car showed up in Pennsylvania, where the last owner bought it 14 years ago. The Edsel came to rest in the museum literally by accident: When its rear was damaged en route home from a car show, the owner decided to turn it over to the museum rather than try to restore it himself, to ensure that such items as trim and paint were redone correctly.

The car looks great again. With bright red paint, wide whitewall tires and just the right amount of chrome, it is a graceful ...