Available either as a two-door or four-door hardtop, the Corsair, like the premium Citation, shared its roof lines with Mercury models, as well as internal body components.

Body parts between the Corsair and Citation models could not be shared with either the Ranger or Pacer, which were built on the shorter, narrower Ford frames.

[4] Like the Citation, the Corsair was powered by the 345 bhp (257 kW) 410 cu in (6.7 L) MEL V8 (with four-barrel {four choke} carburetor),[5] and came equipped with Edsel’s Teletouch automatic as standard.

[5] Also optional were an automatic trunk release,[6] a tachometer,[7][8] an automatic lube system,[9] seat belts,[10] a padded dash board, warning lights for low oil level and parking brake on,[4][11] plus rear door safety locks to prevent young kids from opening them while the car is moving.

The model year of Edsel's introduction was a post-WW II high point of sorts for the Ford Motor Company.

The 1959 Corsair rode on a 120-in (3048-mm) wheelbase and the 361 cu in (5.9 L) FE V8 was standard in sedans, with either a two- or four-barrel carburetor[16] as was a three-speed manual transmission.

The prototype featured the 1960 Edsel grille, but with a huge vertical chrome bar at its center, rising above the hood line.

Extra chrome trim along the sides (allowing for two-toning or a wide bright insert) was added, and the interior featured upgraded, contoured seats.