1973 Porsche 914
1973 Porsche 914

I recall a time, oh, 38 years ago, when my folks forbade me from driving to a friend’s house because it was raining. At the time, even if I believed that rain in any way made driving more dangerous, I wasn’t prepared to admit it. Besides, real car guys were unafraid of driving in snow, at night, and through downpours. Honestly, I still enjoy driving around through fresh snow.

Still, rain is a serious traffic matter, and the Wisconsin Department of Transportation’s Motorists’ Handbook has this to say on the matter:

When it is raining or the road is wet, most tires have good traction up to about 35 mph. However as you go faster, your tires will start to ride up on the water, like water skis. This is called “hydroplaning.” In a heavy rain, your tires can lose all traction with the road at about 50 mph. Wide tires or tires that are bald or badly worn will lose traction at much lower speeds. The best way to keep from hydroplaning is to slow down in the rain or when the road is wet. If it feels like your tires have lost traction with the surface of the road, you should:

  • Ease your foot off the gas pedal.
  • Keep the wheels straight.

Only try to turn if it’s an emergency. If you must turn, do it slowly, or your vehicle may skid.

  • Do not try to stop or turn until your tires are gripping the road again.

Let’s not forget another important point about rain: most cars look pretty good when they’re wet. Turns out carmakers aren’t oblivious to the whole rain thing. Either because rain makes their cars look good, or because it makes their cars seem like sanctuaries of comfort and safety, automakers have produced many car ads set during moments of precipitation. We hope you enjoy the collection of such ads shared below.

More classic car ads

Cars in the Rain

1928 Essex

1925 Essex
1928 Essex Ad

Market Crash Madness! A Gallery of Depression-Era Car Ads

 

1942 DeSoto

1942 DeSoto Ad
1942 DeSoto Ad

Dead-Brand Madness! 10 Classic DeSoto Ads

 

1948 Packard

1948 packard
1948 Packard Ad

“The Man Who Owns One” Madness! 10 Classic Packard Ads

 

1960 Fisher Body

1960 Fisher Body
1960 Fisher Body Ad

What Was the Deal with Car Ads and Swimming Pools…and Golf Courses…and Airports?

 

1963 Mercury Monterey

1963 Mercury Monterey
1963 Mercury Monterey Ad

Quicksilver Madness! 15 Classic Mercury Ads

 

1964 Chrysler Corporation

1964 Chrysler
1964 Chrysler Corporation Ad

5 Forgotten Chrysler Models

 

1966 Jeep Wagoneer

1966 Jeep Wagoneer Ad
1966 Jeep Wagoneer Ad

4WD Madness! 10 Classic Jeep Ads

 

1972 Saab 99E

1972 Saab 99E Ad
1972 Saab 99E Ad

10 Coolest Saabs

 

1972 Volvo

1972 Volvo Ad
1972 Volvo Ad

What Did The Saint Drive? (Hint, it was a Volvo)

 

1973 Amco custom tops

1973 Amco Tops Ad Amco Convertible tops
1973 Amco Ad

Topless Truths: 6 Things You May Not Know About Convertibles

 

1973 Porsche 914

1973 Porsche 914 Ad
1973 Porsche 914 Ad

Review Flashback! 1973 Porsche 911

 

1985 AMC Eagle

1985 AMC Eagle Ad
1985 AMC Eagle Ad

Review Flashback! 1980 AMC Eagle

 

1987 Mercury Tracer

1987 Mercury Tracer ad
1987 Mercury Tracer Ad

Review Flashback! 1986 Merkur XR4Ti

 

1989 Chevrolet Beretta

1989 Chevy Beretta Ad
1989 Chevrolet Beretta Ad

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Cars in the Rain Ad Gallery

Cars in the Rain

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