 ©2007 Publications International, Ltd. Despite stylish Italian flair and quality mechanical design, high production costs doomed the Edwards America. |
Highlights included a large, rectangular eggcrate grille; slab sides relieved by a pronounced character line ahead of the rear wheel openings; and a boxy back wearing stock 1952 Mercury tail lamps. The instrument panel and steering wheel of the Edwards America were contemporary Oldsmobile items, the upholstery leather.
Edwards retained the Henry J chassis for the first Edwards America but exchanged the hemi for a 185-bhp, 303.7-cid Oldsmobile Rocket V-8. Series production was definitely contemplated, though on a very limited basis, with an as-delivered target price of $4,995.
But Edwards' tiny facilities and time-consuming hand-construction methods precluded reaching even this modest goal, and only five more Edwards Americas would be completed. Two received Lincoln's 205-bhp, 317.5-cid V-8; the other three ran with 210-bhp 1953-spec Cadillac 331s. All rode a Mercury station wagon chassis sectioned to a 107-inch wheelbase, providing greater rigidity.
 ©2007 Publications International, Ltd. The production 1953-1955 Edwards America used either a 205-bhp Lincoln V-8 or a 210-bhp Cadillac mill. |
By 1955, Edwards was forced to charge over $7,800 for an Edwards America, though that included such niceties as electric window lifts, GM's Hydra-Matic transmission, and Kelsey-Hayes wire wheels. But the entire effort amounted to little more than a hobby -- and on a shoestring at that. After developing a pretty lift-off hardtop, Edwards threw in the towel and turned to other pursuits.
Check out the specifications of the 1953-1955 Edwards America on the next page.
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