Edsel

It will be remember by folks like you and me, as one of the most dismal failures in history. It was created as a new division of the Ford Company. This car became a disaster within the auto industry. The years of production would amount to less than three. Following successful sales of the Ford Thunderbird, a luxury mid-sized car was the latest word. It was named in honor of Henry Ford’s late son. In the fall of 1957, manufacturing had begun. Among the four models introduced was the Pacer. The three other types were the Citation, Corsair, and Ranger. They came as two and four-door hardtops, convertible, and wagon. Disappointing sales would lead to Ford Motor’s chagrin. More than one factor existed why the division would fail. Changes and innovations appeared, but to no avail. Many noted the downturn in the economy. Others blamed it on poor marketing strategy. The last of the Edsels rolled off the assembly line, in late November of 1959. Perhaps a valuable lesson in the fiasco was learned, as a big chunk of the American auto industry was burned.