9 Vintage Car Ads from the 60s, 70s, and 80s That Will Blow Your Mind
Take a trip down memory lane as you explore the world of vintage car ads from the 60s, 70s, and 80s.
These decades were a golden era for creativity in advertising, capturing the spirit and style of their times. You’ll discover how car makers of the past sold dreams of speed, freedom, and innovation through clever and engaging ads.
These classic ads not only highlight the cars but also the cultural shifts and technological advancements that marked these years.
Discover the charm and nostalgia in these beautifully crafted advertisements that transported viewers to a world of possibilities, one car at a time.
Dive into this collection and see why these vintage car ads are still celebrated today.
1) 1965 Ford Mustang Ad
The 1965 Ford Mustang ad featured the sleek Fastback 2+2 coupe.
The commercial had a school safety video vibe but highlighted some cool features.
One of the main selling points was the fold-down rear seat.
This seat could change from a regular seat to a flat cargo area.
The ad claimed it could fit two kids or a couple of adults for short trips.
The Mustang ad aimed to show that this car was both stylish and practical.
It was targeted at young families and car enthusiasts who needed flexibility.
2) 1970 Dodge Challenger Ad
You’re flipping through channels and suddenly, you see it: the 1970 Dodge Challenger R/T in deep Plum Crazy purple.
The ad kicks off with the car getting pulled over by a cop.
The driver, confused, steps out and asks what he did wrong.
The sheriff, with a serious tone, says he’s in a “heap of trouble.” You’re immediately hooked.
The ad is edgy and attention-grabbing, designed to make you remember the Challenger.
Back then, Dodge was making a big push in the muscle car market.
The 1970 Challenger was a beast with high performance and a stylish look.
The ad really captured that spirit, showing off the power and cool factor of the car.
You see the Challenger speeding down the road, its engine roaring.
It’s more than just a car; it’s freedom and excitement on four wheels.
The commercial ends, but the image of that powerful machine sticks in your mind.
3) 1972 Chevrolet Impala Ad
The 1972 Chevrolet Impala ad shows off a sleek and stylish car that many would love.
It’s not just a vehicle; it’s a statement.
You can imagine cruising the streets in this classic ride, turning heads at every corner.
The ad likely highlighted the car’s V8 engine, powerful and smooth on the road.
It promised a comfortable ride with its spacious interior.
The Impala was well-known for its reliability and style.
You would have seen the car’s shiny chrome details and bold lines in the ad.
It aimed to capture your attention and make you dream of owning such a beautiful machine.
The 1972 Chevrolet Impala truly stood out.
4) 1967 Volkswagen Beetle Ad
You can’t talk about vintage car ads without bringing up the 1967 Volkswagen Beetle.
This ad captures the essence of the era with its simple, yet effective, black-and-white design.
Volkswagen’s ad stood out by using humor and straightforward language.
They didn’t boast about having the fastest car or the most luxurious features.
Instead, they focused on reliability and affordability.
One famous tagline was “Think small.” It emphasized the Beetle’s compact size in a world where bigger cars were becoming the norm.
This slogan became iconic and showed how VW could do more with less.
The ad also pointed out the car’s fuel efficiency, which was a big deal when gas prices started to go up.
People wanted cars that were cheap to run and maintain, and the Beetle fit the bill perfectly.
Volkswagen made the Beetle a symbol of the 60s counter-culture.
It was popular among various groups like hippies and surfers, who loved its quirky look and durability.
The 1967 ad captured this sentiment perfectly and has since become a classic in automotive advertising through its clever and unique approach.
5) 1981 DeLorean DMC-12 Ad
When you think of the 1981 DeLorean DMC-12, you probably picture its sleek, stainless steel body and those iconic gull-wing doors.
The original TV commercial for this car showcased its futuristic design in just 30 seconds.
The ad highlighted the car’s unique look and advanced features for its time.
Its 2.85-liter V6 engine was a standout, developed by Peugeot, Renault, and Volvo, producing 130 horsepower.
The ad emphasized how this power was delivered to the rear wheels through a five-speed manual transaxle.
The DeLorean’s ad was not just about performance; it was also about style.
The brushed stainless steel body panels and fiberglass underbody made it look like a car from another world.
Owning a DeLorean was marketed as owning a piece of the future.
The commercial didn’t just sell you a car; it sold you an experience, a dream of innovation and style.
Even today, this ad helps you remember why the DeLorean DMC-12 remains a cultural icon and a symbol of 80s nostalgia.
6) 1975 BMW 2002 Ad
The 1975 BMW 2002 ad showcases a classic car that blended performance and style.
You can see how much pride BMW took in their responsive 2-liter engine.
This car wasn’t just about speed; it was also about giving you a smooth ride.
The ad highlights this well with its sleek design and sporty appeal.
Back in the mid-70s, BMW 2002 was a dream car for many.
It offered a combination of performance and reliability.
The ad reflects that era’s fascination with cars that were both fun to drive and practical for everyday use.
Ads like this one played a big role in turning the BMW 2002 into a collectible classic.
Looking at the ad now, you can feel the nostalgia for a time when driving was all about enjoyment.
7) 1982 Pontiac Firebird Ad
You might remember the 1982 Pontiac Firebird from TV commercials back in the ’80s.
Known for its sleek and aerodynamic style, it marked a new era for Pontiac.
This third-generation Firebird was smaller, lighter, and sportier than its predecessors.
The ad highlighted the Firebird’s futuristic look.
It was designed to catch your eye with its sharp lines and modern features.
Pontiac really wanted to push the car’s high-tech vibe.
In the advert, you would see the car cruising through futuristic settings.
The message was clear: the Firebird was not just any car, it was the driver’s car.
The commercial aimed to make you feel like you were driving something from the future.
The Firebird came with a “computer-assisted” V6 engine.
This was quite a talking point in the ad.
Pontiac emphasized the technological advancements, even if the engine wasn’t the most powerful available at the time.
This ad really played up the idea that owning a Firebird meant you were ahead of the curve.
It made you think that with this car, you were driving into the future.
If you watched TV in the early ’80s, there’s a good chance this cool, tech-forward ad made you long for a Firebird of your own.
8) 1966 Oldsmobile Toronado Ad
The 1966 Oldsmobile Toronado ad is a great example of vintage car advertising.
This ad showcases the sleek look and advanced features of the Toronado, a car that was ahead of its time.
In the ad, you can see the bold and stylish design of the Toronado.
With its distinct front-wheel drive and aerodynamic shape, it stood out from other cars of its era.
The ad also emphasizes the innovative technology of the Toronado.
It highlights the front-wheel drive, which was a novelty back then.
This feature promised better handling and stability, making it a hit among car enthusiasts.
If you love vintage car ads, the 1966 Oldsmobile Toronado ad is a must-see.
It combines great visuals with a clear message, making it a perfect piece of automotive history.
9) 1979 Porsche 911 Turbo Ad
The 1979 Porsche 911 Turbo was a head-turner.
This car had a 3.3-liter engine that brought a rush of excitement every time you hit the gas.
Back then, the ad featured the sleek and powerful design of the Turbo model.
It emphasized speed and performance, things Porsche is known for.
The ad highlighted the unique features of the 911 Turbo.
This included its distinctive wide rear fenders and the iconic “whale-tail” spoiler.
The cool print ad made sure you knew this car wasn’t just about looks.
It was built for serious driving enthusiasts.
The message was clear: owning a Porsche wasn’t just about having a car.
It was about having a piece of automotive excellence.
You knew you’d be getting a machine that stood out on the road.
Cultural Impact of Vintage Car Ads
Vintage car ads from the ’60s, ’70s, and ’80s did much more than sell cars; they shaped consumer desires and reflected the changing societal norms.
Shaping Consumer Preferences
Car ads from these decades played a significant role in influencing what cars people wanted to buy.
For example, during the ’60s, ads for sports cars like the Ford Mustang promised a sense of freedom and rebellion.
These ideas resonated with the youth of that era, making Mustangs incredibly popular.
In the ’70s, ads for muscle cars like the Oldsmobile 4-4-2 emphasized power and performance.
This appealed to a generation that was fascinated by speed and horsepower.
As a result, these cars became status symbols for many.
By the ’80s, advertisers started focusing on technology and luxury features.
Ads for brands like BMW and Mercedes-Benz highlighted advanced engineering and comfort.
This shift changed consumer preferences, making luxury and innovation key selling points.
Reflecting Social Trends
Car advertisements also mirrored the social trends of their times.
In the ’60s, many ads showcased the growing counterculture.
For instance, ads for the Volkswagen Beetle embraced simplicity and practicality, poking fun at the flashy, big cars of the previous decade.
This resonated with the new wave of environmental consciousness.
In the ’70s, the oil crisis led to a shift in car ads.
Fuel efficiency became a primary focus, and ads showcased cars that were economical and reliable.
This highlighted how societal concerns about fuel prices influenced marketing strategies.
By the ’80s, the rise of consumerism was evident in car ads.
Commercials for luxury cars targeted affluent buyers and emphasized status and exclusivity.
These ads mirrored the era’s aspiration for wealth and success, showing how commercial messages adapted to societal values.
Design Evolution Over the Decades
The design of car ads has seen significant changes from the 60s through the 80s.
If you’re curious about how these designs reflect the trends and technology of each era, keep reading.
60s: The Era of Innovation
In the 60s, car ads were all about innovation and progress.
You’d see sleek, futuristic designs that promised a better future. Citroën ads from 1961 showed off their DS model with its aerodynamic shape, front-wheel drive, and advanced suspension systems.
These ads emphasized technical advancements and comfort.
Chrysler and British Motor Corporation also used innovative designs to catch your attention.
They highlighted new features like power steering and automatic transmissions.
Bold fonts and bright colors were common, competing for your eye in magazines and newspapers.
Photography began replacing illustrations, adding realism to the ads.
70s: Bold and Daring Designs
The 70s brought bolder and more daring designs.
The ads from this decade often featured striking visuals and memorable taglines.
Take the 1970 Oldsmobile 4-4-2 W-30 ad, which introduced you to “Elephant Engine Ernie,” a character symbolizing power and performance.
This era was about making a strong impression.
Dodge ads from 1973 depicted cars speeding through dramatic landscapes.
Many ads in the 70s featured vibrant colors and playful themes, a stark contrast to the more serious tones of the previous decade.
These designs sought to engage you emotionally, making the car more than just a vehicle but a lifestyle choice.
80s: Sleek and Modern Aesthetics
By the 80s, car ads had shifted towards sleek and modern aesthetics.
You’d notice streamlined car designs and sophisticated ad layouts.
They often featured clean lines and minimalistic elements.
With the advancement in color photography, ads now showcased shiny, well-lit cars that grabbed your attention with their polished looks.
The typography became simpler and fonts were often sans-serif, conveying modernity and clarity.
Advertisers focused on high-tech features like onboard computers, advanced safety systems, and fuel efficiency.
You could see the transition from purely functional aspects to a blend of style and technology, making the cars of the 80s appear as the cutting-edge of automotive design.