The first auto ad appeared in 1898 in the newspaper of Ohio. The title of the auto ad was very straightforward in terms of marketing.
It included a call to action, “Dispense with a Horse”. The auto ad talked about the model and benefits of Winton Motor Carriage.
The ad showed that it’s not costly to maintain, its speed is 20 mph, and it had no odor. In the end, the ad compared it with the horse saying that a horse would never be able to do these tasks.
Advertising for the model Fiat 3 1/2 HP, 1899.
In the early 20th century, cars were still fighting for road space with other means of transport, as very few people could afford them.
Automobiles were heavy machines that usually required at least one mechanic to operate and maintain the car. This is why most ads were targeted at the wealthiest of society.
Advertising for the Panhard Dyna Junior, 1953.
One of the groups that ads appealed to were the partygoers. Those who would want a car to make a noticeable entrance to the next glamorous event.
Or even to their chauffeurs – the ones who would have to deal with tires and lubrication, which is why they needed a reliable vehicle. Auto advertising was very strategically oriented even from its start.
Auburn car advertising, 1927.
As soon as the 20th century started, the adverts became beautiful and brighter Art Deco illustrations, Ford who was in favor of simplicity, could not keep it simple. The vintage car of the beautiful Ford Lincoln showed off the vibrant but used simple colors on a sleek vehicle.
Ad agencies used creativity for the marketing of their products. Even in the 30s, when there was The Depression in America, the streamlined car ads were cut down because of the era’s darkness.
BMW 700 advertising, 1959.
Those ads during the period of depression had a slight jet-setting feel that conveys travel and class. However, we have seen more automobile ads related to the wars during that time.
This is the time when the motoring world and marketing went along with it. Later in the 1960s, Volkswagen challenged conventional US-centric cars through its symbolic ads.
Buick advertising, 1918.
In 1959, the ‘Think Small” campaign was created for Beetle by Helmut Krone, and its copy was written at Doyle Dane Bern Bach agency by Julian Koenig.
Buick vintage advertising, 1946.
Cadillac advertising, 1931.
Cadillac advertising, 1959.
Citroën Traction Avant advertising, 1938.
Advertising for Clément cars, 1905.
DeSoto advertising, 1932.
DeSoto advertising, 1958.
DKW advertising, 1932.
Duesenberg advertising, 1929.
Horch advertising, August 1937.
Jeep advertising, 1945.
Jeep Cherokee advertising, 1963.
Advertising for Jeep Gladiator, 1962.
Jeepster advertising, 1948.
Jeepster advertising, 1950.
Lincoln advertising, 1931.
Lincoln advertising, 1933.
Lincoln advertising, 1935.
Lincoln advertising, 1950.
Lincoln Zephyr advertising from 1939.
Mercedes-Benz car advertising, 1928.
Messerschmitt Kabinenroller 200 advertising, 1955.
Oldsmobile advertising, 1950.
Oldsmobile advertising, 1955.
Panhard Dyna Z advertising, 1954.
Panhard Dyna Z advertising, 1954.
Renault 4L advertising, 1960.
Renault advertising, 1934.
Simca 1000 advertising, 1961.
Simca 1000 advertising, 1961.
Studebaker advertising, 1906.
The 10 hp Citroën advertising, 1919.
Unimog advertising, 1950.
Willys-Overland advertising in the 1950s.
1964 Oldsmobile Vista-Cruiser advertising.
Cadillac advertising, 1937.
