Throwback: 5 Great Muscle Car Commercials of the 1960s

 

(Editor’s note: Vintage television commercials can be as classic as the cars they promoted back in the day. This is one in an ongoing series of such vintage car commercials we’ve found on YouTube.)

In the 1960s color TV was becoming a thing and perhaps the only thing that rivaled how creative the cars were, are the commercials that advertise them. Thanks to the far-reaches of the internet and YouTube, I have been able to find an assortment of vintage commercials that caught my attention.

Check out these five great commercials from the 1960s: 

1964 Ford Mustang

In 1964, Ford debuted the Mustang, a car for those who “want stick-shift action and room for four,” that was “designed to be designed by you.”

Without ever showing a real clear overview of what the car looks like, the commercial teases the public with close-up shots of select features, encouraging Americans to see the “unexpected” Ford Mustang at their Ford Dealerships on April 17.

1967 Chevrolet Camaro

Seen dramatically erupting from a volcano, Chevrolet introduced its “fiery, new creation,” the 1967 Camaro SS, “the new car that’s something else, something never before seen in a driving machine.”

The ad emphasizes the “Camaro is shaped for action,” equipped with a “big car engine” and has “big car stance.”

1967 Pontiac GTO

Have you ever wondered, how great is the 1967 Pontiac GTO? Pontiac says its so great that it’s the “ultimate driving machine” and as soon as you see it you will experience an “uncontrollable urge” to get behind the wheel.

According to Pontiac, “The Great One” is more than just the “greatest” muscle car ever created… The Great One is an idea, the idea to get out and drive. If you are confused or don’t understand how The Great One is so great – don’t worry, Pontiac has excessed you and emphasizes the Great One comes with 400 cubic-inches of “gleaming motor” coupled with a “superb road handling chassis.”

 1969 Plymouth Roadrunner

The Plymouth Roadrunner was adorned with logos and badges featuring the Roadrunner cartoon character, and in 1969 Plymouth aired a commercial depicting the iconic character and Wiley Coyote endless efforts to catch the bird.

Too bad he doesn’t know the only place to catch a roadrunner was at the Plymouth dealer.

The new, low-priced, high-performance car came as a convertible, hard top, or as the original two-door coupe for 1969.

1969 Dodge Polara 500

When it comes to creepy, Dodge earns the title with a commercial for its 1969 Polara 500.

Sitting in a dark room, a man sings while working on a skeleton of some sort, briefly pausing to say, “after 17 years, we wouldn’t want Dodge fever to spoil it now, would we.”

“If I gave into to Dodge fever now, I might pull a bone, my pet,” the man says to the eerie skeleton after it’s announced that the new Polara 500 is “part beauty, part luxury, part performance, and all excitement.” After catching a glimpse of the car, effectively catching Dodge fever, the man knocks over the skeleton, proving Dodge fever is more shattering than ever.

Any commercials you think we should see? What cars should we feature next? Tell us in the comments below or send us an email. 

About the author

Nicole Ellan James

As an automotive journalist and avid car enthusiast, Nicole Ellan James has a passion for automotive that is reflected in every aspect of her lifestyle. Follow Nicole on Instagram and Facebook - @nicoleeellan
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