It was a bad year to sell cars, especially large American cars. For those not yet alive, 1974 arrived towards the end of the OPEC Oil Embargoand the related record-high gas pricesand at the beginning of a mild recession.
Cars of 1974
The related social and economic turmoil of the moment largely explains the primary themes of the print ads collected below. The Dodge Colt ad uses the word Japanese as code for efficient and reliable. The Chevrolet Impala ad reminds would-be buyers that its still okay to buy a large car. Even the Buick ad is laced with subtle nods to sensible frugality.
Indeed, only the Ford Thunderbird ad bucks the trend, boasting of the cars huge engine and real-luxury pedigree. Question: Is it just us, or is the T-Bird driver staring through the sunroof super creepy?
Enjoy the ads, and if you have any thoughts, share them below.
Cars of 1974
AMC Matador
Forgotten Concept: AMC Concept Grand Touring
Audi 100LS
Buick LeSabre
Dynaflow Madness! A Gallery Of Classic Buick Ads
Chevrolet Impala
Review Flashback! 1977 Chevrolet Impala and Caprice
Dodge Colt
Foreign Matter: Pricing the Imports of 1973
Fiat 128
Photo Feature: 1959 Fiat Abarth 750 Zagato
Ford Thunderbird
Photo Feature: 1963 Ford Thunderbird Italien
Plymouth Scamp
Pontiac
Listen to the Consumer Guide Car Stuff Podcast
Cars of 1974 Gallery
(Click below for enlarged images
