10 Classic Ads 1974 The Daily Drive

Jul

Model-Year Madness! 10 Classic Ads From 1974

Written by Tom Appel in AMC, Chevrolet, Classic Car Ads, Classic Cars, Datsun, Dodge, Ford, Mercury, Oldsmobile, Toyota, Volvo

1974 Toyota Celica GT

Battered by inflation, an energy crisis, and new low-lead gasoline, the American car shoppers of 1974 really weren’t in the mood for happy advertising that promised ethereal virtues such as spirit, pride of ownership, or neighborhood one-upmanship.

Instead, the car ads of the day—at least a good number of them–reflected the nation’s collective sour mood, and focused on the nuts-and-bolts aspects of the ownership experience. Instead of power and style, the focus had shifted to fuel economy, cost of ownership, and—interestingly—higher-content entry-level cars–the latter ads appealing to shoppers considering downsizing for their next new-car purchase.

Submitted here for your consideration, please find ten classic print ads and one vintage TV spot–each of which does a nice job demonstrating what might be referred to as a new national cynical attitude.

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