ALL SCI-FI

[Morbius]

NICE

[Bud Brewster]

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I see your point, Mach7. (And I see hers, too . . . )

On the other hand, I had to study the Fitzpatrick and Kaufman artwork below before I was able to decode it's non-verbal message.



So, what do we see in this picture?

Well, it's depicts a deserted street in the commercial district of a small New England town on a dreary day. And its raining — hence the couple with the umbrella.

But the couple seems happy. Why?

Heck, why not? They own a Pontiac!

Admittedly, this is not the most inspiring message we've seen in the Pontiac ads, nor is the painting especially impressive. But the ad copy guys rose to the occasion by juicing it up with colorful prose. Here's a few examples.

"Bonneville's wheelbase is longer . . . a luxurious 125 inches . . . "

"That great Bonneville magic abounds."

"You can select from a dazzling array of cloth and expanded Morrokide." (Whatever that is . . . )

"Rich-looking inserts touch up the doors and instrument panel."

So, what can we conclude from all this?

Well, it means that back in the 1960s, college-educated people typed with ten fingers on typewriters — instead of with their thumbs on cell phones.

And they spelled out big words that were expressive and imaginative . . . instead of using silly emojis and half-literate abbreviations like 4Q2.

And they sold luxurious cars with ads in magazines with articles that people actually read — ads with stunning artwork and carefully crafted messages.

So, how are cars sold today? They use fast-paced TV commercials for people with short attention spans. They blow past our consciousness without giving us time to think about the message — which is fine, because the message is simply, "Buy our car! It's pretty!"

That's why I love these magazine ads. They're a brilliant combination of artwork and optimism. And that's what All Sci-Fi is all about.
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Is there no man on Earth who has the wisdom and innocence of a child?
~ The Space Children (1958)

[tmlindsey]

I don't know if you've visit this site before, but you might want to check it out: https://dia.org/events/exhibitions/detroit-style-car-design-motor-city-1950-2020
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"Have you never wondered what it would be like to walk between the ticks and tocks of Time?"

[mach7]

Something to remember, back in the '50s and '60s (heck even the early '70s) cars had Style, with a capitol "S"!.

They looked the way they did because someone wanted to make a statement, say something. Style was not based on drag coefficient or occupant/pedestrian safety. Not that these are bad things, but they tend to shape everything the same, homogenize the style. Things get bland.

Don't get me wrong, cars today are sooooo much better than the older cars. Safer, more efficient, more comfortable, more reliable. But they lack soul, personality, quirks.

I have a Chevy Volt and an old MGB. The car I love to drive is the MG, the car I rely on is the Volt.

[mach7]

[Bud Brewster]

[Bud Brewster]

Here's a Pontiac ad that looks like the scene from a James Bond movie!

That must be Felix Leiter in the red shirt, flirting with the Bond Girl in the Firebird 400. I think that's Q over by the helicopter, making final adjustments on the weapons systems.

The guy on the far right is Bond's caddy, the fellow that helped Bond outwit Goldfinger on the golf course.

And the couple in the middle? Well, every scene has a couple of extras. Right?
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Is there no man on Earth who has the wisdom and innocence of a child?
~ The Space Children (1958)

[mach7]

I like your add description! It's right on!
That does look like Jack Lord's Felix!

I love the whole Pontiac "Wide track" Add campaign.

In reality they were all only about an inch wider than their other GM stablemates.

Width of the 1967 Firebird 72.6 inches
Width of the 1967 Camaro 72.3 inches

The artwork really exaggerates the whole "Wide Track"
marketing theme.

[Bud Brewster]

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Mark (if I may use your real name ), I'm delighted that you and the other members are enjoying my imaginative comments about the Pontiac ads.

It's a creative challenge to carefully examine every inch of each beautiful painting and then comment on what it makes me think of.

And when I read the ad copy I alway giggle at the way the Madison Ave boys jazz up their sales pitch with fancy words and emotional phrases that glorify the cars.

Those clever fellows didn't want the buyers to just "like" the cars they bought — they wanted them to love 'em!

As for the claims about the Wide-Track feature, well . . . we all know that size does matter. And an extra inch is something a man can be damn proud of!
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Is there no man on Earth who has the wisdom and innocence of a child?
~ The Space Children (1958)

[mach7]

Of course, I prefer Mark!

On a side note, I do miss Pontiac, It filled a needed niche at GM. I always thought Buick was the superfluous brand.

Anyway, I enjoy your dissection of the mad men of the '60s.
Like old model kit box art, the car ad art is beautifully done.
Both artistically and psychologically. I miss it.

[Bud Brewster]

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I really appreciate the kind words that you and other members have offered, Mark.

Here's another one know you'll enjoy.




It didn't take me long to realize that this ad paints a picture of fairy tale come true!


On a remote tropical island, the castle in the distance glows with the festive lights of the royal ball in full swing. But in the valley below, the prince and princess have stolen away to enjoy a few hours of romantic privacy as they lounge against their emerald royal carriage.

So, does the ad copy include any words or phrases that tie in with this Cinderella scenario?

Of course it does, starting with the opening blurb across the top.

"Three's a romance when one is a Pontiac."

"See the special glow of a couple who share the enchantment of a Pontiac."

"Quietness is part of the spell cast over a couple cruising in a Pontiac."
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Is there no man on Earth who has the wisdom and innocence of a child?
~ The Space Children (1958)

[Bud Brewster]

Okay, the sales pitch for this beautiful Grand Prix is all about being proud of yourself.

That might sound selfish and vane, but it's really not. If you've made smart choices and your conscious is clear, there's nothing wrong with being proud of your accomplishments.

And the folks at General Motors are pleased with the beautiful cars they created. The point of this ad is that Grand Prix owners should feel as good about themselves as artists and engineers who made the Grand Prix.

It's a American thing . . . which, unfortunately, we lost a few decades ago.
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Is there no man on Earth who has the wisdom and innocence of a child?
~ The Space Children (1958)

[mach7]

That ad is the epitome of the late '60s American dream.

You have your beautiful Grand Prix to enjoy while your beautiful wife shops in beautiful stores, buying things to make herself more beautiful for you.

Meanwhile the driver of the lowly Citroen looks on in envy with the knowledge that his car can fit in the trunk of the beautiful Grand Prix.

It's such a beautifully executed ad! I love it!

EDIT: And you are correct, It's perfectly fine to feel proud of accomplishment, be it building a nice car or being able to buy it.

[Bud Brewster]

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Hats off to you, Mark! You really get these remarkable magazine ads.

I hope the other members of All Sci-Fi get these ads as well as you do!

By the way, kudos for noticing the Citron in the background and understanding the subtle message it implies! I never would have thought of that!
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Is there no man on Earth who has the wisdom and innocence of a child?
~ The Space Children (1958)

[mach7]

Looking at the ad again, the Citroen, the European road sign, and the architecture all point to France.

Driving the wide body Grand Prix on the narrow french street's, or rue's, would not be easy!