Edsel (United States) - AllCarIndex

Edsel was an automobile brand introduced by the Ford Motor Company in the United States, operating from 1957 to 1959. The brand was named after Edsel Ford, the son of company founder Henry Ford. The Edsel division was established in Detroit, Michigan, with the aim of filling a perceived gap in the market between Ford and Lincoln vehicles.

The Edsel brand launched its first models in 1957, which included the Edsel Ranger, Edsel Pacer, and Edsel Citation. These vehicles were characterized by their distinctive styling and innovative features, such as the unique "horse collar" grille design. However, despite the initial excitement surrounding the brand, Edsel faced significant challenges in the marketplace, including a lack of consumer interest and a series of production and marketing missteps.

In 1958, the Edsel division was restructured under the Mercury-Edsel-Lincoln Division, but the changes did not lead to improved sales. By 1959, the brand was discontinued, and the remaining inventory was sold off. The Edsel brand has since become a case study in marketing failure, often cited for its ambitious yet ultimately unsuccessful attempt to carve out a niche in the competitive automotive landscape of the late 1950s.