Edsel

A make of automobile manufactured by the Ford Motor Company, the Edsel was introduced amidst a considerable amount of publicity on "E Day" -- September 4, 1957. The firm had recently earned its status as a publicly-traded corporation that was no longer entirely owned by members of the Ford family. It was able to sell cars without being hindered by Henry Ford's antiquated preferences following the sellers' market of the post-war years. The new management compared the roster of Ford makes with that of General Motors, and noted that Lincoln competed, not with Cadillac, but with Oldsmobile. The plan was developed to move Lincoln upmarket and put another make in beneath it, with yet another (Continental) at the very top. Research and development had begun in 1955 under the name "E-car" which stood for "Experimental car".

Edsel in culture

Since the Edsel was a large commercial failure the name has become a popular joke in various media. Television programs, cartoons, video games and films have all used the Edsel as humor. The humor has usually came as a quick joke or as a sight gag.

Related Topics:
Television program - Cartoon - Video game - Film - Sight gag

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