9 Retro Ads That Defined the 70s: Flashback to Funky Times
The 1970s was a vibrant and transformative decade, especially in the world of advertising.
During this time, marketers pushed creative boundaries, producing some of the most memorable and influential ads that still resonate today.
These ads didn’t just promote products; they captured the spirit and culture of the era.
Why do these retro ads still matter? They offer a glimpse into the past, showing how companies connected with audiences through catchy slogans, iconic visuals, and unforgettable jingles.
By looking at these ads, you can see how marketing strategies have evolved and appreciate the creativity that continues to shape the advertising world today.
1) Coca-Cola’s ‘I’d Like to Buy the World a Coke’
In 1971, Coca-Cola released one of the most iconic ads of all time, “I’d Like to Buy the World a Coke.” This ad featured a catchy jingle and a diverse group of young people singing on a hilltop.
It aimed to send a message of unity and peace.
Bill Backer, the creative director at McCann Erickson ad agency, came up with the idea.
He was inspired during a flight delay in London.
He saw scattered passengers finding common ground while sharing Coke bottles.
The ad was first aired in the U.S. and quickly became a sensation.
People loved the song so much that radio stations received calls from listeners asking to hear it.
The jingle even became a hit single.
The commercial struck a chord with many and led to over 100,000 letters to Coca-Cola.
It was a huge success and is still remembered fondly today.
If you think of iconic 70s ads, this one definitely tops the list.
2) Tupperware Parties
In the 70s, Tupperware parties were a big hit.
They were more than just gatherings to buy plastic containers.
These parties were a social event where mostly suburban women would come together, chat, and enjoy each other’s company.
Tupperware, developed by Earl Tupper in the mid-1940s, used these parties to market their products.
Brownie Wise, a key figure, revolutionized the concept in the 50s and 60s.
Her approach made Tupperware parties a household name by the 70s.
The party plan was simple.
A host would invite friends over, usually for a casual afternoon or evening.
A Tupperware representative would showcase the latest products, demonstrating their value and functionality in everyday life.
These parties gave many women a chance to earn their own money.
It was a means of empowerment at a time when job opportunities for women were limited.
They could sell products, earn commissions, and even recruit other hosts, creating a sense of community.
Tupperware parties were not just about plastic.
They became iconic symbols of the era, blending commerce with social life.
They represented the growing consumer culture and the expanding role of women in the business world.
3) Farrah Fawcett’s Poster
One of the most iconic images of the 70s is Farrah Fawcett’s red swimsuit poster.
Farrah, a star from “Charlie’s Angels,” posed in her Los Angeles backyard wearing a bright red one-piece swimsuit.
This poster wasn’t just popular; it became a cultural phenomenon.
It sold over 12 million copies, making it the best-selling poster of all time.
Farrah’s smile and natural beauty captivated millions.
Her poster adorned bedrooms, dorm rooms, and more.
The image was taken by photographer Bruce McBroom and commissioned by the Pro Arts poster company.
Farrah chose the red swimsuit herself.
Her playful pose and the poster’s incredible success turned Farrah into a 70s icon.
The poster’s impact is lasting.
It even earned a spot in the Smithsonian, showcasing its significance in pop culture.
Farrah’s poster isn’t just nostalgic; it’s legendary.
4) Marlboro Man
In the 70s, the Marlboro Man was everywhere.
He was this rugged cowboy that made smoking look cool and tough.
You saw him in magazines, on billboards, and in TV commercials.
The character originally appeared in the 1950s and became a huge part of popular culture by the 70s.
The Marlboro Man was created to change Marlboro’s image.
Before this campaign, Marlboro was seen as a brand with less appeal.
By using this cowboy image, Marlboro became associated with masculinity and freedom.
It made a lot of people want to smoke just to feel like the Marlboro Man.
Even if you’ve never smoked, you recognize the Marlboro Man.
He’s one of the most famous advertising icons ever.
This ad campaign lasted for decades, not just the 70s, which shows how powerful the image was.
5) ‘Have a Happy Day’ T-shirts
In the 70s, ‘Have a Happy Day’ T-shirts became super popular.
These shirts often featured a big, bright smiley face accompanied by cheerful slogans.
You couldn’t walk down the street without seeing someone sporting one.
They were a simple way to spread positivity and fit right into the hippie vibe of the time.
These shirts came in all sorts of colors.
Folks loved to pair them with bell-bottoms or jean shorts for a laid-back, groovy look.
They weren’t just for adults either.
Kids wore them to school, making the message of happiness a universal one.
So, next time you see a smiley face shirt, you can thank the 70s for kicking off the trend!
6) Smokey Bear PSA
In the 70s, Smokey Bear was an icon for wildfire prevention.
You probably remember his deep voice and the famous line, “Only YOU can prevent forest fires!”
The Ad Council released several Smokey Bear radio PSAs during this time.
One memorable 1977 PSA featured Vicki Sue Robinson in an extended radio adaptation called “I Think I Love You, Smokey Bear (Ballad).”
The 1974 PSA, “Where Have all the Flowers Gone?” was special for being the first to feature the then-new Ad Council logo.
This PSA was based on a television ad known for its slogan “Think.”
In 1979, Smokey’s voice from the “We Can’t” PSA stood out.
The voice actor remained unknown, adding a bit of mystery to the campaign.
Another striking PSA from the late 70s asked, “If you knew it was me, would you have listened?” This ad was noted for its slightly creepy tone, especially with the mention of Smokey’s teeth.
Smokey Bear PSAs from the 70s were influential in spreading awareness about wildfire prevention.
You can’t think of the 70s without picturing Smokey’s somber message about protecting forests.
7) Charmin’s Mr. Whipple
In the 1970s, you couldn’t escape Mr. Whipple.
He was the fictional supermarket manager in Charmin commercials, played by actor Dick Wilson. Mr. Whipple became famous for pleading with customers, “Please don’t squeeze the Charmin!”
You’d find Mr. Whipple scolding shoppers for squeezing the soft toilet paper while secretly doing it himself.
This funny and memorable bit made the ads stick in your mind.
These commercials ran from 1964 to 1985, but the 70s were when Mr. Whipple was at his peak.
In total, there were over 500 ads featuring him.
You can still recognize his catchphrase today.
Seeing Mr. Whipple became a regular part of watching TV.
His character showed how influential a simple and repetitive message can be in advertising.
Charmin’s ads left a lasting mark on pop culture, thanks to Mr. Whipple’s memorable antics.
8) Jovan Musk
Jovan Musk is a classic fragrance from the 70s.
It’s one of those scents that just scream the disco era.
The original Jovan Musk debuted in 1972.
It had a simple but unforgettable blend of white florals and spice, making it a must-have for both men and women.
You might remember the famous slogan from the 1981 commercial: “Jovan Musk Oil for Men and Women have brought more men and women together than any other fragrance in history.” This tagline, along with the ads featuring Billy Dee Williams, left a lasting impression.
The scent was affordable and long-lasting, which made it a staple in many households.
There were different versions, including cologne sprays and body sprays, giving everyone options to choose from.
Though the formula has changed over the years, the nostalgic allure of Jovan Musk remains.
It’s one of those perfumes that can take you straight back to the 70s with just one whiff.
9) Ford Pinto
The Ford Pinto became an iconic car of the 70s.
Launched in 1971, it was marketed as an affordable and compact option for everyday drivers.
What made the Pinto memorable were its catchy ads and low price.
Promised to cost less than $2,000, it quickly attracted budget-conscious buyers.
Despite its popularity, the car was later infamous for safety issues.
The rear-mounted gas tank design led to fuel tank explosions in rear-end collisions.
Ford eventually recalled the Pinto and fixed the design flaw with a simple $11 plastic shield.
By then, the damage to its reputation had already been done.
Ads from that era often downplayed these issues and focused on the Pinto’s affordability and practicality.
The 1979 ads especially showcased the car as a practical choice for those looking for a cheap, simple vehicle.
Although later overshadowed by its safety problems, the Pinto remains a significant part of 70s car culture.
Cultural Influence of 70s Advertisements
Ads from the 70s left a massive impact on fashion, lifestyle, and even the economy.
They embraced bold styles and sparked social changes that still echo today.
Fashion and Lifestyle Trends
In the 70s, ads played a huge role in shaping what people wore and how they lived.
Bright colors, funky patterns, and bell-bottoms became super popular thanks to these ads.
Brands like Calvin Klein and Levi’s highlighted these styles in eye-catching campaigns.
Their ads often featured models wearing trendy clothes and accessories that set new fashion trends.
Lifestyle changes also stemmed from these ads.
For example, fitness ads started promoting a healthy and active lifestyle.
You saw more people jogging and joining aerobics classes because of these promotional pushes.
Ads for products like tab cola targeted the health-conscious crowd, urging them to adopt a low-calorie lifestyle.
The choices people made in their daily lives were significantly influenced by what they saw in magazines and on TV.
Economic and Social Impact
The 70s was a time of change, and advertising reflected this.
Companies like Philip Morris aimed to connect their brands with social issues, which was new back then.
Many ads addressed social causes like racial equality and environmentalism.
Brands knew they could catch people’s attention by aligning with social activism.
Economically, ads boosted consumerism.
People were encouraged to buy more, helping the economy to grow.
Clever ad slogans and catchy jingles made products stick in your mind, leading to increased sales and brand loyalty.
Not only did ads push for more consumption, but they also started conversations about social change.
Companies took stands on big issues, influencing public opinion and making a lasting mark on society.
Advertising Techniques and Innovations in the 70s
The 1970s saw a burst of creativity in advertising, with techniques that brought brands to life and innovations that transformed the industry.
Key trends included memorable catchphrases and the growing use of celebrity endorsements.
Catchphrases and Slogans
Catchphrases and slogans were everywhere in the 70s.
Advertisers realized that a catchy phrase was easy to remember and could instantly tell a brand’s story.
Think of “Have a Coke and a Smile” or “You Deserve a Break Today” from McDonald’s.
These lines became part of everyday conversations, making products more relatable.
Simple words and strong messages made these catchphrases iconic.
TV and radio ads often repeated these slogans to make sure they stuck in your mind.
They were designed to be catchy, memorable, and effective.
Use of Celebrities
Celebrities became a powerful tool in 70s advertising.
Brands hired famous actors, athletes, and musicians to enhance their credibility and reach wider audiences.
For example, Wilt Chamberlain endorsed Chevrolet, boosting the car’s appeal to basketball fans.
Using well-loved public figures helped brands create emotional connections with consumers.
When people saw their favorite stars using or endorsing products, it made those products seem more desirable.
Celebrities brought glamour and excitement to advertisements, making them more engaging and influential.
Legacy of 70s Retro Ads
The ads from the 70s left a lasting impact on both modern advertising and collectors.
Their influence is seen in today’s ad strategies and the nostalgia they evoke.
Influence on Modern Advertising
The creative style of 70s ads still shapes how companies design their campaigns today.
You notice retro-themed ads using bold fonts and bright colors, much like they did back then.
Storytelling was also a big thing in 70s ads.
They made you feel something, whether it was excitement or joy.
Modern advertisers love using emotional stories too.
Think about those touching holiday commercials.
Simple and catchy slogans from the 70s stick with you, like “Have a Coke and a Smile.” Today’s brands aim for the same thing—short, memorable lines that get stuck in your head.
Collectibility and Nostalgia
Vintage ads from the 70s are collector’s items today.
People buy old magazines just for the ads.
These are not just cool to look at but are also valuable.
Nostalgia plays a huge role in why these ads are still loved.
They remind you of a different time and give you a sense of history.
Seeing an old 70s car ad might take you back to your childhood road trips.
Some collectors look for ads featuring famous actors or products that are no longer around.
This makes the hunt for vintage ads both fun and rewarding.