Back when seat belts were optional and style was everything, car ads weren’t just about horsepower — they were full-blown theatrical performances on paper. From celebrity cameos to outrageous claims (“more spacious than a Rolls-Royce!”), these vintage car ads had flair, confidence, and a healthy dose of 20th-century charm. We’ve rounded up 15 of the best (or weirdest) retro automotive ads that will make you laugh, cringe, and maybe wish you could time-travel to a showroom in 1975.
This vintage VW ad hilariously claims the Rabbit fits anyone 7’2″ and under — proven by cramming Wilt Chamberlain inside. Turns out, small car, big surprise: it’s roomier than a Rolls-Royce (allegedly). Classic ‘70s charm, oversized punchline.
BMW in the ’90s: when even your diesel had six cylinders and swagger. This French ad flexes the 2.5L turbo diesel engines in the 325td and 525tds like they’re rock stars—with the tagline “All our diesel engines have six cylinders. Standard.” Smooth, silent, and surprisingly fast… for something that still runs on tractor juice.
“Suddenly, it’s 1960!”—even though it’s clearly still the ‘50s. Plymouth wasn’t just selling a car here, it was selling time travel with tailfins. With a “Fury 301” V8, “Torsion-Aire” ride, and enough chrome to blind the future, this ad promised buyers they were three years ahead—if not in time, then definitely in attitude.
This Buick ad really leans into the “ladies love luxury” angle—with a side of 1950s gender norms. From grocery runs to fabric shopping, it claims Buick’s smooth ride and Dynaflow Drive will win women over. Translation: “Give her a car that shifts itself, and she’s yours.” Equal parts charm and cringe—classic mid-century marketing.
“Your father never told you there’d be Buicks like this.” Probably because he was still driving one with whitewalls and opera windows. This ’67 GS 400 came in hot with muscle car vibes, 340 horses, and enough attitude to make dad’s Buick blush. Who knew Buick could be the cool kid on campus?
“Seven adults, ten kids, and one dog later… the Land Cruiser still isn’t sweating. Whether you’re a fisherman, farmer, or just a guy who wants to haul a small village over a mountain—Toyota’s got your back (and your winch).”
Nothing says ‘precision Lotus handling’ like blasting through a rollercoaster like you’re late for the 3 PM matinee of Knight Rider. Somewhere, an insurance agent just fainted.
Plymouth said, ‘Let’s name a car after a cartoon… and then literally put the cartoon in it.’ Somewhere, Wile E. Coyote is still suing for emotional damages.
When your ride is so smooth it can cradle a bottle of nitroglycerin without blowing up—yeah, that’s confidence on wheels. Mercury Monterey: engineered for calm under literal pressure.
Built to make even a freestyle legend lose his cool—Wayne Wong didn’t just drive it, he flipped for it. Dodge Aspen R/T: for the person with driving ambitions and airborne standards.
Sleek, sharp, and always landing on its wheels—Pontiac’s new ‘Cat’ has claws, class, and nine lives of performance. The Catalina: purr-fection in motion.
In this cozy Corvette ad, Chevrolet wants you to fall in love—with a car seat. And to prove how irresistibly comfortable it is, they enlisted the fluffiest, most judgmental-looking cat in the western hemisphere. Forget horsepower or cornering stats—this feline luxury inspector is here to confirm that the only thing purring louder than the V8 is him. It’s like they said, “You know what screams speed and performance? A lap cat in a convertible.”
In this unforgettable Corvette Sting Ray ad, Chevy really went for the “man’s best friend—and midlife crisis companion” combo. Nothing says “luxury sports car” like a Great Dane riding shotgun, tongue out, ears flapping, and likely wondering why the human spent the inheritance on a fiberglass rocket. With lines like “feels like a sports car,” they forgot to add: “also fits your dog, cowboy hat, and existential questions.”
This hilariously cheeky Citroën 2CV ad is the automotive equivalent of a mic drop. With deadpan brilliance, it claims the humble 2CV is faster than a Ferrari (if the Ferrari’s stuck in second), has as many wheels as a Rolls-Royce (groundbreaking), and more room than a Porsche (if you count your groceries). It’s a masterclass in budget car marketing—turning every obvious shortcoming into a smug win. Who needs speed, prestige, or performance when you can have four wheels and a sarcastic attitude for just £2,584?
We think this is just a cheap copy of the previous ad.
