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1920's Car Advertisements

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Automobile Advertisements from the 1920's

The following is a selection of 1920's car advertisements taken from my vintage automobile Ad collection that illustrate the beautiful cars and fantastic color illustrations that are typical of automobile advertising throughout most of the 1920's era.

Prior to the advent of television and radio advertising, print media was the most popular form of advertising. Popular periodicals of the 1920's almost always contained car advertisements from the major car manufacturers - that even included women's magazines since women were, and are still, a major influence in car buying! You will see from the 1920's ads below that the marketing methods used by car manufacturers way back then are still being used just as successfully today.

The period between 1925 and the end of 1929 was the peak period for color in car advertisements. Prior to 1925 most car ads were black and white, and following the Stock Market crash of October 1929, many of the magazine car advertisements reverted to black and white again. Only the more expensive and profitable car brands could afford color ads during the depression years as car makers struggled just to survive.

Nothing stays the same forever. Toward the very end of the 1920's and especially in the early 1930's, color  photographs  began to be used in advertisements, and to me, the magic of the advertisements was gone.

This is a celebration of 1920's car illustrations before photo's destroyed the magic. These beautiful illustrations by talented American illustrators, showcase the wonderful cars of the roaring twenties.

1927 Cadillac LaSalle Coupe

Cadillac LaSalle Coupe in Rural Setting Advertisement

Idealized Illustrated Car Ads

Rather than expensive photo shoots in remote or exotic locations, why don't car manufacturers revert to the 1920's method of illustrated backgrounds and vehicles as per the Ad below. It opens up the possibility of fantasy backgrounds and unique advertisements to catch buyers attention and overshadow the competition.

1927 Cadillac

Introduction of Color Photos in Car Advertisements

Photo from Late 1920's Cadillac Advertisement

Color Photography in Car Advertising

Cadillac were one of the first car manufacturers to take advantage of the new and exciting developments in color photography and use color photos of their vehicles in Advertising. However, in my opinion, this photo of a 1930 Cadillac which was used in advertisements is not as appealing as the illustrated advertisement above, which preceded it!

Color photographs had novelty value, and new is always considered better - but is it really? Fashions often go full circle and visit the old. Perhaps car illustrations will once again revisit the 1920's style.

Photo of a 1930 Cadillac

Vintage Car Advertisements on eBay

Buy Vintage Car Ads Online

Vintage Car Ads for Collectors

Vintage car advertisements taken from 1920's books, magazines etc are available for purchase on eBay. They look great framed and hung on the office wall or at home.
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1928 Chevrolet 2 Door Sedan

Car Advert by Chevrolet Targeting Women Drivers

1928 Chevrolet

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1924 Ford Model T sedan

A Ford Car Advertisement Targeting Business Women

Smaller cars for women drivers
1924 Ford

More on the 1920's Era

Information on other aspects of Nineteen-Twenties living

Learn more about this interesting period in history
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1926 Franklin Sedan

Art Deco Style Franklin Sedan Advertisement

1926 Franklin

1927 Dodge Brothers Six

Dodge Cars were big on appearance and reliability

Beautiful cars with a reputation for toughness, from Dodge Brothers

1927 Dodge

1930 Pontiac "Big Six" Sedan

A General Motors Pontiac Big Six from $745

Emphasizing speed and power. Still the emphasis of much advertising today!

1930 Pontiac Sedan

More Vintage Car Ads on eBay

Frame them and put them on your wall!

Car Ads as Wall Decorations for Home or Office

Old car advertisements make great decorations in a study or office. Framed nicely to match the decor they look great and provide interest as well as topics for conversation.
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1930 Oakland Eight Sedan

Only $895 for an Oakland V-Eight!

Associating cars with aeroplanes - a marketing technique that is still used with great effect in car ads and commercials today!

1930 Oakland

1930 Pierce Arrow Coupe

An up-market straight-eight Coupe from Pierce Arrow

Associating a coupe with outdoor recreation - in this case, golf.

1930 Pierce Arrow

Vintage Car Books

Buy books on Vintage Cars online at Amazon

Books containing superb photos and information on old cars from various eras
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We are indeed a BETTER way to shop for Auto insurance. It only takes about 4 minutes to fill out the form for Free Auto Insurance Quotes. Our experts will find you the best deal on insurance and save you time as well as money. There is no obligation and best of all, it's absolutely free.

Comments or Questions on 1920's Car Advertisements

Leave your feedback on vintage car ads

  • BadSoulPhotography Feb 21, 2011 @ 7:39 pm | delete
    Well done, very interesting
  • myfavouriteadverts Jan 29, 2011 @ 7:48 am | delete
    I love looking at old adverts. This is an interesting collection, thanks for sharing.

    I've made a lens about ?UK TV adverts, feel free to check it out if you get chance :)
  • outsource123 Dec 10, 2010 @ 1:47 am | delete
    Cheers, that lense was pure awesome.
  • BevsPaper Nov 11, 2008 @ 6:32 am | delete
    Beautifully done. I so wish modern advertising companies would go back to the illustration art! Such gorgeous work was done back then.
  • mangaaa Aug 12, 2008 @ 1:58 am | delete
    This is definitely a well deserved 5 Star Rating. Thank you for sharing this unique lens!

    If you get the chance, please visit my Used Vintage Cars blog. Thank you!
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Hi, This is Robert from 1920-30.com. I'm a great fan of the 1920's. I have a collection of hundreds of 1920's books and magazines on a wide range... more »

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