Model-Year Madness! 10 Classic Ads From 1974

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.
AMC

1974 AMC Ad (Gremlin)
Chevrolet

1974 Chevrolet Ad (Impala Custom Coupe)
Datsun

1974 Datsun Ad (610)
Dodge

1974 Dodge Ad (Dart Hang 10, Dart SE, and Charger Spring Special)
Ford

1974 Ford Ad (Thunderbird Burgundy Special Edition)
Model-Year Madness! 10 Classic Coupe Ads From 1973
Mercury

1974 Mercury Ad (Cougar XR-7)
Oldsmobile

1974 Canadian Oldsmobile Ad (Delta 88)
Plymouth

1974 Plymouth Ad (Valiant Brougham)
Toyota

1974 Toyota Ad (Celica GT)
Volvo

1974 Volvo Ad (144)
5 Most-Expensive American Wagons of 1974
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