Turbo Madness! 10 Classic Ads Featuring Turbocharged Vehicles

Tom Appel

8 years ago

1980 Ford Fairmont Futura Ad, Turbocharged Vehicles — 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.

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