Don't forget to visit b.vikki vintage on Etsy!
What I like most about these vintage Firestone ads is the depiction of family and the implication of dependability.
This looks like a movie still. I don't quite get how the copy jives with the photography, but it's a great look.
I couldn't help but think of the Obamas when I saw this ad. 
Girls in white dresses with blue satin sashes. I'm not sure if Firestone was attempting to evoke that line from My Favorite Things, but it's the first thing that came to mind.That the photographs feature more prominently than the tires or the copy in most of these ads is indicative of what Firestone in the 1960s purported to be selling. With the purchase of their product, you were also ensuring that the people you loved most would be safe. Reminds me of those hilarious Twilight New Moon Volvo commercials that are running now: "There's more to life than a Volvo; That's why you drive one."
It would be untoward to bring up the Firestone recalls over the past decade, so I won't elaborate on that scandal... and will let these beautifully blocked ads speak for themselves.
Don't forget to visit b.vikki vintage on Etsy!
I could see why you would think of the Obamas on that ad. I had to do a double take myself!!!!
ReplyDeleteObviously saw this on Jezebel and was tres excited, congratulations on such a wonderful blog, consider yourself followed!
ReplyDeleteMM x
I see the Obamas too in that ad! Great blog!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on all of the much deserved attention! These photos are great, the outfits are lovely and the idea of a 'It's a Wide Oval World' serving as a 'rallying cry' is pretty funny and silly.
ReplyDeletexo
Jenny
What a real gem to come accross this blog. I found it via another blog roll. I see going through the suggested reading lists of others is quite benificial. Thank you for posting such great marketing images of Colored People, Negros, Blacks, African Americans, People of Color, Me. Cassandra Bromfield
ReplyDeleteI agree with Cassandra above. What a gem of a blog. I'm an Australian with a penchant for the 50s and 60s, and vintage advertising, and must commend you on showing me a side of American history we don't get shown over here. It's wonderful - eye-opening and classical.
ReplyDeleteTwo thumbs up!
-Beth
LOL, they wanted Black people to buy some Firestone. Looking at old ads from the muscle car peak era. nice to see some black people.
ReplyDeletemy family is from Philadelphia and I remember my father on sundays, he almost always organized a barbecue afternoon when we ate and drink and he used to show off his red car with his first Firestone wheels, so this reminded me of that time
ReplyDelete