These ads are as much about the cars as they are about the remarkably shit commercial that accompanies them. Not just a study in how badly most advertising ages, this collection of ads serve to only further strengthen my theory that some things are loved more for their crappiness than their merits.
Behold this formidable list of awesomely shit car ads from yesteryear.
10. 1986 Trans Am Firebird
Packed to the bonnet with everything that made the mid 80s awesome: big, Flashdance hair, lots of white silk, a mullet, more extras hamming it up in the background than you could poke a slapband at. They weren't lying when they said they built excitement.
9. 1989 Barbie Ferrari
Ok, I know technically this shouldn't count, but this short ad is too good to leave out. Hands up who wants to hitch a ride to the party scene?
8. 1990 Subaru Wagon
The only reason to love this commercial is for Orgre's (Revenge of the Nerds) three second cameo - which is a lot less a guest appearance and a lot more a cry for cash.
7. AMC Gremlin
This "ugliest cars of all time" regular comes with one cute as shit ad.
6. Morris Mini Minor
Just try and not laugh when he says, "look how much room there is."
5. 1967 Chevrolet Camaro
Sure I may be a little biased because this is my favourite car of all time, but this ad is AWESOME with a capital "awe". Look at how that powerful SS emerges from the volcanic rubble, all steamy and majestic as fireworks and molten lava shoot and spill.
4. 1969 Pontiac GTO The Judge
Hello 1969 and hello Pontiac GTO, The Judge. There ain't nothing this car or this car ad can't deliver. A judge pun? Check! Sergeant Pepper inspired outfits? Check! Unbeatable lyrics like "Judge! The special great one!"? Check!
3. 1985 Yugo GV
The Yugoslavian built Yugo was as bad performing as it was ugly. But thanks to the power of advertising this commercial does a pretty convincing job of making me feel like a 1980s Annie Fox could do well to buy one. After all it's even perfect for a "single working woman"! How modern.
2. 1972 Volkswagon 411
There's no doubt this stop-motion commercial would have blown the tiny minds of almost everyone when it came out.
1. 2000 GL Ford Capri
I have searched high and low to verify the authenticity of this commercial. I cannot believe this is legit - but here it is for all you Hip Cats, real or faux.