In terms of general statistical sexiness, brake performance has long taken a backseat to acceleration. Horsepower numbers are fun, 0-60-mph and quarter-mile times are fun. But braking? Most car guys know that reaching 60 mph from a stop in less than 6 seconds is an impressive feat. How many folks, I wonder, know what a decent time would be for coming to a complete stop from 60 mph?
It’s said that safety sells, but when it comes to classic car ads, the emphasis was always on power. Nonetheless, we did manage to find a number of great print ads extolling the virtues of superior braking performance.
Note that a few of the ads shared below are not for cars, but for suppliers and insurance firms. Seems that selling safety can be a complicated business.
1934 Studebaker
10-Gallon-Hat Madness! A Gallery of Cowboys in Classic Car Ads
1935 Plymouth
Designer Madness! Fashion in Classic Car Ads
1951 Chrysler Corporation
Woodie Madness! Classic Ads Featuring Small Wood Sided Wagons
1951 Dow Chemicals
National-Pastime Madness! A Gallery of Baseball-Themed Auto Ads
1953 Bendix-Westinghouse
Thanksgiving Madness! A Gallery of Autumn-Themed Auto Ads
1958 Buick
Cocktail Madness! A Gallery of Cars in Liquor Ads
1961 Liberty Mutual
Nicotine Madness! A Gallery of Cars in Cigarette Ads
1965 Chevrolet Corvette
Grabowsky Madness! 10 Classic GMC Ads
1975 Subaru
Dead-Brand Madness! 10 Classic Edsel Ads
1976 Delco Moraine
Soccer Mom Madness! 10 Classic Minivan Ads
1986 Chevrolet Corvette
Urgent-Care Madness! 15 Classic Ambulance Ads
1987 Ford F-150
Canine Madness: 10 Classic Car Ads Featuring Dogs
1987 Pontiac 6000
Emerald Madness! 10 Classic Ads Featuring Green Cars
2009 Nissan Titan
Click below for enlarged images.
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Car Ads Featuring Brakes Gallery
Car Ads Featuring Brakes
