The Edsel wasn't just a failure- it was a colossal disaster for Ford, costing them $250,000,000 by '59, the equivalent to two billion 2007 dollars. It seemed like a good idea at the time; Ford wanted a brand that would be the equivalent of GM's Buick, positioned between Mercury and Lincoln in their hierarchy, but quality problems, an economic recession, and a bizarre "horse collar" grille doomed the Edsel to laughingstock status. But never mind all that depressing stuff; yesterday was the 50th anniversary of "E-Day," the showroom debut of the Edsel. [Washington Post]

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