The Edsel, codenamed "E-car" during its development phase around 1955, was an ambitious project for Ford. Years of market research and design went into the car, culminating in a grand launch campaign in 1957.

While the Edsel campaign generated a lot of excitement with its splashy marketing, including magazine teasers and a star-studded television special, the car itself didn't quite meet the public's expectations. Sharing parts with existing Ford models and lacking groundbreaking features, the Edsel arrived at a time when consumer tastes were shifting towards smaller, more economical vehicles. The Edsel's design, particularly the grille, also divided opinions. Though intended to be stylish, it wasn't universally loved.

In an effort to capture the public's imagination, Ford enlisted the talents of John Hubley, a famous animator known for his work on cartoon characters like Mr. Magoo. Hubley's commercials for the Edsel employed a whimsical style, but unfortunately they couldn't overcome the disconnect between the car's features and the marketing hype. Although sales initially started strong, they quickly dipped, leading to the project's cancellation within two years. While the Edsel's story didn't have a happy ending, it serves as a valuable reminder in the auto industry about the importance of aligning marketing promises with consumer needs.

For availability and licensing inquiries, please contact:
https://www.globalimageworks.com/contact
Ref: S005.01