1974 AMC Matador, Cars of 1974
1974 AMC Matador

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 Embargo—and the related record-high gas prices—and at the beginning of a mild recession.

More classic car ads

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 it’s 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 car’s 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

AMC Matador
AMC Matador

Forgotten Concept: AMC Concept Grand Touring

 

Audi 100LS

Audi 100LS
Audi 100LS

 

Buick LeSabre

Buick LeSabre
Buick LeSabre

Dynaflow Madness! A Gallery Of Classic Buick Ads

 

Chevrolet Impala

Chevy Impala
Chevy Impala

Review Flashback! 1977 Chevrolet Impala and Caprice

 

Dodge Colt

Dodge Colt
Dodge Colt

Foreign Matter: Pricing the Imports of 1973

 

Fiat 128

Fiat 128
Fiat 128

Photo Feature: 1959 Fiat Abarth 750 Zagato

 

Ford Thunderbird

Ford Thunderbird
Ford Thunderbird

Photo Feature: 1963 Ford Thunderbird Italien

 

Plymouth Scamp

Plymouth Scamp
Plymouth Scamp

The Plymouths of 1976

 

Pontiac

Pontiac
Pontiac

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Cars of 1974 Gallery

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1975 Triumph TR7: Favorite Car Ads

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