12 Vintage Car Commercials That Wouldn’t Air Today
Automotive advertising has come a long way since the flashy and often controversial car commercials of the past. What once grabbed attention now raises eyebrows, showing just how much public expectations have shifted.
- Tricia Quitales
- 5 min read
Car commercials from decades past often pushed boundaries in ways that would be considered inappropriate or tone-deaf today. Whether through outdated gender roles, over-the-top stunts, or wild claims, many of these ads reflected a different era of marketing. As social standards and advertising regulations evolved, these once-accepted strategies became unacceptable. Revisiting them offers a fascinating look at how both the auto industry and society have changed.
1. Dodge Charger “Man’s World” Ad (1970)
HJUdall on Wikimedia
This commercial portrayed the Charger as the ultimate car for asserting male dominance. A deep-voiced narrator claimed the car separated the men from the boys. It included shots of men conquering rugged terrain and dismissing family life as dull. The ad was unapologetically targeted at male ego and control. Today, such messaging would be called out for reinforcing toxic stereotypes.
2. Ford Pinto “Runabout Fun” Ad (1971)
Bull-Doser on Wikimedia
The Pinto was marketed as an affordable, fun-to-drive car for young drivers. One ad showed a carefree couple speeding down winding roads, laughing with zero concern for safety. No mention was made of the car’s known safety flaws, which would later become a major scandal. The casual tone made light of risky behavior. Modern ads are far more cautious about vehicle safety claims.
3. Toyota “You Asked For It, You Got It” Campaign (1970s)
ITakePhotosOfCars on Wikimedia
This campaign focused on Toyota responding to American demands for quality, affordability, and performance. One commercial implied that domestic car makers had failed, using overly blunt comparisons. It used nationalism and subtle mockery to drive its point. While competitive advertising is still common, this level of pointed cultural commentary would not fly today. The tone would likely be viewed as offensive or polarizing.
4. Volkswagen “Snow Plow” Ad (1964)
Robert-brook on Wikimedia
This ad showcased a VW Beetle starting up in freezing conditions to prove its reliability. It humorously questioned why someone would choose a Beetle to plow snow, revealing the plow truck had driven to work in the VW. While clever, the ad involved potentially misleading visuals about vehicle capability. Current ad regulations would require disclaimers and clarification. Exaggeration like this now risks consumer backlash.
5. Chevrolet “Baseball, Hot Dogs, Apple Pie, and Chevrolet” (1975)
Berthold Werner on Wikimedia
This famous jingle tied Chevrolet to American identity and patriotism. The visuals showed classic Americana scenes while promoting the car as a national treasure. While catchy, the ad leaned heavily on cultural identity to sell a product. Today, tying consumer goods so closely to national pride could be seen as manipulative or outdated. Advertising now favors authenticity over sentimentality.
6. Plymouth Duster “Duster Girls” Commercial (1970s)
Bull-Doser on Wikimedia
In this ad, women in tight outfits leaned on cars and delivered cheeky one-liners to attract buyers. The cars were secondary to the models, who were treated as part of the visual package. It used sex appeal as the primary selling tactic. Today, this approach would face major criticism for objectification. Most brands now avoid this kind of blatant gender stereotyping.
7. Oldsmobile “This Is Not Your Father’s Oldsmobile” (1980s)
BlueCrabRedCrab on Wikimedia
This campaign tried to rebrand Oldsmobile for a younger generation. It often featured older men being mocked or replaced by younger, trendier drivers. The humor came at the expense of aging consumers. Ageism like this would be controversial in today’s inclusive advertising climate. Modern campaigns strive to appeal across generations, not dismiss them.
8. Buick “Class with Muscle” Ad (1973)
ITakePhotosOfCars on Wikimedia
This commercial featured a man comparing a Buick to an ideal woman — classy on the outside, wild on the inside. It reinforced the idea that cars and women are possessions to be admired and controlled. The narration and tone were meant to be humorous, but they objectified both the car and women. Such a comparison would be instantly rejected in today’s market. Current ads avoid mixing gender roles with product attributes.
9. Subaru “Skiing Safari” Spot (1980s)
Patrick Alexander on Wikimedia
The ad showed a family driving off-road, crashing through snowy terrain with skis flying off the roof. Children laughed as snow flew everywhere, and the parents made no effort to slow down. The recklessness was portrayed as fun and adventurous. Today, promoting unsafe driving, especially with children, would be unacceptable. Safety is now a key element in car advertising.
10. AMC Gremlin “The Car That Dares to Be Different” (1970s)
Bull-Doser on Wikimedia
This ad mocked conventional cars by comparing them to boring people in office settings. It portrayed Gremlin drivers as rebels who rejected mainstream values. The tone suggested that buying a different car made you smarter or more rebellious. While creative, this kind of division-based marketing is frowned upon today. Brands now aim to unite rather than alienate audiences.
11. Pontiac Trans Am “Excitement That Lasts” Ad (1980s)
Bull-Doser on Wikimedia
Filled with high-speed shots, closeups of tires squealing, and a voiceover boasting about thrill and power, the ad glorified aggressive driving. It celebrated the “need for speed” without addressing safety or responsibility. The message was excitement at any cost. Modern standards require balance between thrill and accountability. Driving behavior in commercials is now heavily regulated.
12. Lincoln Continental “The Mark of a Great Man” (1960s)
IFCAR on Wikimedia
This commercial associated the ownership of a Lincoln with being a successful, powerful male figure. The narrator spoke in lofty tones about status, dominance, and class. Women in the commercial were mostly passive accessories to the man’s success. The implication that manhood and luxury cars are linked is outdated. Today’s campaigns focus more on lifestyle fit and individual needs, regardless of gender.