Edwards (United States)

Edwards was an American automobile manufacturer active from 1949 to 1955, based in San Francisco, California. Founded by Sterling Edwards, a wealthy Californian, the company aimed to create a sports car that could compete with European models both on the racetrack and in the consumer market.

The initial prototype was an aluminum-bodied vehicle that combined features of both street and racing cars. Designed by Norman Limbs, it was constructed by notable Indy car fabricators including Emil Diedt, Lujie Lesovsky, and Phil Remington. This prototype utilized a ladder frame with independent suspension, disc brakes, and was powered by a Ford V8 60 engine equipped with Ardun cylinder heads. The car achieved success in racing, leading to the development of a version based on the Henry J chassis, which featured a Chrysler V8 engine.

However, Edwards eventually shifted focus from racing models to street cars. A prototype street car was developed using the Henry J chassis and an Oldsmobile engine. The final production model, introduced in 1954, showcased a stylish fiberglass body reminiscent of designs by Ghia. This model was available in both hard-top and convertible configurations, utilizing a shortened Ford chassis and a 205-horsepower Lincoln V8 engine. Despite its innovative design and features, the company faced financial difficulties, reportedly losing money on each vehicle sold, with only about six units produced.