SEPTEMBER 4

On this date in 1957, the Ford Motor Company introduced a new line of cars called the Edsel.  It was manufactured under the guidance of a new division of the company.   There were four models in the Edsel line.  Edsel was the given name of Henry Ford's son.

The 1958 model year was about to begin.  In those days, all new models were introduced in the Fall for the following model year.  Chevrolet, Ford's main competitor, had just had a banner year with the iconic '57 Chevy.   The most expensive model of the Edsel cost $3,766.00 in 1958.

There is a good reason many of you have never heard of the Edsel.  It was a colossal flop.  It was ugly, over-hyped and overpriced.   Ford lost over $250,000,000.00 in the three years the division lasted.  The name Edsel became synonymous with failure.  It was a huge setback and embarrassment for Ford.

You might think that the car would be a great collector's item - you're right.  I mint condition Edsel in some models can go for over $100,000.00.  Here's a picture of the car.

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