Pete Brock’s Trans-Am Champion Datsun (‘Popular Science’ magazine, June, 1972)
“20 million people have switched to Champion Spark Plugs.”
Pete Brock (and his stylish cravat) showing off specially-designed Datsun vehicles sporting Champion Spark Plugs. Trans-Am Champion Datsun originally appeared in the June, 1972 issue of Popular Science magazine.
(Source: Popular Science)
Previously on Rad Ads: Hunt’s Manwich Sandwich Sauce (1978)
‘Here’s something that you’re never gonna forget…’ (BTO, 1974)
Bachman-Turner Overdrive’s Randy Bachman originally wrote “You Ain’t Seen Nothing Yet” as a joke and was reluctant to release it as a single. Good thing he changed his mind, as the song shot to #1 on the US, Canadian, German, and many other, singles charts.
Here’s a 1974 BTO performance film for the tune. Just the thing to jump-start your week.
Previously on Music for Monday: The Damned, ‘New Rose’ (1976)
Singin’ Joe Frazier for Lite Beer from Miller, 1977.
“Everything you always wanted in a beer. And less.”
Happy Sunday! Let’s continue with our weekend celebrity commercial theme. Together again, for the very first time, we have the strange pairing of boxer, Joe Frazier and actor, Ray Bolger.
First, we find Frazier singing for Miller Lite in a 1977 spot that aired in January of ’78. Next, Ray Bolger sings, dances and wields a suspect accent for Safeway market. The spot aired in July of 1978. Bolger appeared in a series of these Safeway Scotch Buy ads.
Previously on 70s Spots: Rosemary Clooney & Meredith Baxter Birney (1979)
Meredith Baxter Birney for Noxzema, 1979.
“Good skin starts with Noxzema-every day.”
Commercial time. Here’s a pair of celebrity-fronted spots from September, 1979. First up, we have Meredith Baxter Birney (now, sans “Birney”) for Noxzema skin cream.
Afterward, you can spy a spot for Coronet starring Rosemary Clooney. Sing along with me, “Extra value is what you get – when you buy Coronet!”
Previously on 70s Spots: Toyota’s ‘Car Of The 80s’ (1978)
Depatie-Freleng’s ‘Misterjaw,’ 1976.
Not to be confused with Jabberjaw, Depatie-Freleng’s Misterjaw was the other 70s cartoon attempting to ride the popularity coattails of Jaws.
Misterjaw (voiced by Laugh-In‘s Arte Johnson) is a top-hatted, German-accented shark who attempts to catch Harry Halibut while accompanied by his sidekick, Catfish. 34 episodes were produced and originally aired as segments on The Pink Panther and Friends show. You can enjoy a memory-jolting clip below. Have a joyous Funshine Friday!
Misterjaw Wiki
Previously on Funshine Friday: Star-Kist Tuna, ‘Sorry, Charlie’ (1975)
Hunt’s Manwich Sandwich Sauce. (‘Ebony’ magazine, June, 1978)
“A sandwich is a sandwich, but a Manwich is a meal.”
Contains tomatoes, sweet onions, bell peppers and a “special blend” of spices. Hunt’s Manwich Sandwich Sauce ad with actor-singer Johnny Brown (Good Times) originally appeared in the June, 1978 issue of Ebony magazine.
(Source: Ebony)
Previously on Rad Ads: ‘The Dodge Colt’ (1974)