Monday, November 8, 2010

Is Ford Bringing Back The Edsel?



Is it possible after 50+ years, Ford will be bringing back the Edsel? Although ridiculed as a funny-looking, poorly-built car, the Edsel was actually well ahead of the competition in styling, engineering and technology. What it lacked was marketing foresight, coming out several years too soon - a mid-sized, junior executive level vehicle (without fins) debuting at a time when everyone wanted more sheet metal, more chrome...and more fins.

But the Edsel, had it been named something that sounded less...eh...dorky, and the timing been right, may have been a sure hit. It incorporated powerful engines with an electronic push-button transmission (the buttons were built into the center of the steering wheel, a la Speed Racer). It's styling was bold and completely new. And rode like a dream.

So why not bring it back? After all, today's cars are all about technology. A push-button transmission is only a designer's mouse-click away. And the styling? Well, it seems the '58 Edsel front end would fit perfectly on to a 2011 Taurus. Orders, anyone?