1980 Ford Fairmont Futura Ad
The word “turbo” is enjoying massive marketing popularity these days. Advertisers and branding folks have slapped it on tools, energy drinks, and dietary supplements.
The source of that word’s selling power comes, of course, from the car world. A turbocharged engine is an enhanced engine, and generally an integral part of a vehicle tuned to be a little more fun than others in the same product line.
This is less true today, as tiny turbocharged engines have become fairly standard fare in smaller cars and crossovers. Not long ago, however, a turbocharged vehicle was a better vehicle—or so we were led to believe.
Collected here are ten classic car ads featuring turbocharged vehicles. If you’ve spent time with any of these “blown” rides, tell us about it. And let us know if the words “turbo lag” mean anything to you.
1979 Buick
1979 Buick Ad
1979 Datsun 280ZX
1979 Datsun 280ZX Ad
1980 Ford Fairmont Futura
1980 Ford Fairmont Futura Ad
Free MPG? Yo, It’s a Turbocharger, Not a Magic Wand
1980 International Scout
1980 International Scout Ad
1982 Saab 900
1982 Saab 900 Ad
1983 Renault Fuego
1983 Renault Fuego Ad
Model-Year Madness! 10 Classic Ads From 1959
1984 Dodge/Plymouth Colt
1984 Dodge/Plymouth Colt Ad
1984 Ford Escort
1984 Ford Escort Turbo GT Ad
1984 Ford Thunderbird
1984 Ford Thunderbird
1989 Volvo 740
1989 Volvo 740 Turbo Wagon Ad
Performance Madness! Engine Technology in Classic Ads
