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.

More classic car ads

Classic Turbocharged Vehicles

1979 Buick

1979 Buyick Turbo Ad
1979 Buick Ad

Luxury Madness! A Gallery Of Classic Lincoln Ads

 

1979 Datsun 280ZX

1979 Datsun 280ZX Turbo Ad
1979 Datsun 280ZX Ad

What If: A Gallery of Alternate-Universe 1950s Rolls-Royce Designs

 

1980 Ford Fairmont Futura

1980 Ford Fairmont Futura Ad
1980 Ford Fairmont Futura Ad

Free MPG? Yo, It’s a Turbocharger, Not a Magic Wand

 

1980 International Scout

1980 International Scout Ad
1980 International Scout Ad

What If: A Gallery of Alternate-Universe 1963 Buick Riviera Designs

 

1982 Saab 900

1982 Saab 900 Ad
1982 Saab 900 Ad

Dynaflow Madness! A Gallery Of Classic Buick Ads

 

1983 Renault Fuego

1983 Renault Fuego Ad
1983 Renault Fuego Ad

Model-Year Madness! 10 Classic Ads From 1959

 

1984 Dodge/Plymouth Colt

1984 Dodge/Plymouth Colt Ad
1984 Dodge/Plymouth Colt Ad

What If: A Gallery of Alternate-Universe Mercedes-Benz 300SL Designs

 

1984 Ford Escort 

1984 Ford Escort GT Ad
1984 Ford Escort Turbo GT Ad

Forgotten Concept: Pontiac Salsa

 

1984 Ford Thunderbird

1984 Ford Thunderbird Turbo Coupe
1984 Ford Thunderbird

The Cars of Once Upon a Time…in Hollywood

 

1989 Volvo 740

1989 Volvo 740 Turbo Wagon ad, Turbocharged Vehicles
1989 Volvo 740 Turbo Wagon Ad

Performance Madness! Engine Technology in Classic Ads

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Turbocharged Vehicles

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