Abstract: Polyester compositions containing dicyclopentadiene, maleic acid and a compound containing at least one alcoholic hydroxy group, the polyester formed by a two-stage process. In the first stage, maleic acid and dicyclopentadiene are heated to form an intermediate reaction product. In the second stage, the intermediate is heated with a compound containing at least one alcoholic hydroxy group to form the polyester. The compositions containing this polyester and a diluent have good adhesion to metal and plastic substrates, and are useful as automobile body putty primers. These polyester compositions exhibit good adhesion in corrosion-inducing environments, and are useful to protect against further corrosion.