This Day In Norwood History-September 5, 1957-Hundreds View New Edsel Cars In Norwood

Hundreds of local residents, anxious for a glimpse at Edsel, the nation’s first new major automobile line in 19 years, flocked to Dalzell Edsel Sales, Inc., at 525 Washington Street, Norwood, yesterday when models went on display for the first time.

Visitors at the showrooms, located adjacent to St. Catherine’s rectory, were able to inspect first hand the new vertical front styling and several outstanding engineering innovations that include “Telelouch” push button transmission controls located in the steering wheel hub are features of America’s newest automobile — the Edsel.

Under actual development since July of 1954, mechanical and engineering prototypes of the Edsel have been driven more than 1,500,000 miles in one of the most thorough and comprehensive test programs ever undertaken by a manufacturer.

Available in 18 models and four series — Ranger, Pater, Corsair and Citation — the Edsel medium price car line offers two convertibles, sedans, two-door and four-door hardtops and five station wagons. One convertible is available In the Pacer series and the other in the Citation, at the top of the line.
Dual headlights, self-adjusting brakes which automatically compensate for brake lining wear, safety rim wheels and four-barrel carburetion are standard equipment with alt Edsels, Also standard, with purchase of a heater, is a unique single-dial heater-defroster-ventilator control which eliminate the standard, but complex, system of levers, knobs and air vent doors.

The Edsel vertical grille combined with an inner chrome impact ring and crisp horizontal sections on either side give an easily identifiable look of quiet elegance from blocks away. The concave sculptured sides have an ever-widening teardrop effect and carry completely through to the taillights, giving a look of fluid motion and power.

The horizontal taillights blend smoothly into the flight deck-luggage compartment lid fo provide a solid bar of illumination on each side. Each bar is in two segments, diivded at the luggage compartment lid Outer segments contain turn indicators and brake warning lights in addition to
Adding to the long low look of the new Edsels is a slightly raised center section of the hood which recalls the elegance of motoring three decades ago.

New fabrics and patterns are featured in Edsel harmonizing interiors, color-keyed to the 19 solid and 31 two-tone exterior combinations. Exceptional comfort Is provided by new contour seats which reduce long trip fatigue. Front scats have been divided in a unique one-third, two-thirds arrangement with the one-third segment for the driver.

The entire instrument cluster has been desibned to locate all controls and dials within easy, natural view and reach of the driver. Mounted high in the cluster beneath the raised padded safety cowling which eliminates any panel glare. Is the new float Ing drum type speedometer which rotates smoothly and evenly as the car accelerates or slows.

The new E-100 Edsel engine is available in Ranger and Pacer series and the five station wagons It develops 400 foot pounds of torque and 303 horsepower and with it comes a choice of standard overdrive or automatic transmissions.

The E-475 engine for the Corsair and Citation series is rated at 475 font pounds of torque and 345 horsepower. Only automatic transmitsion is available on these series.