Different times mean different standards, but it's still shocking to see how blatantly sexist the car industry's ads were right up until the last two decades.
These are the ten most sexist car ads (some of which are surprisingly new), according to Jalopnik readers:
10.) Hurst Dual Gate Transmission
The message is clear here. Not only will your woman appreciate that you went for the automatic instead of the performance-oriented four-speed stick, you will also have a personal key that can prevent her from using the "competition gate." Nice touch!
Suggested By: For Sweden, Photo Credit: Hurst
9.) Goodyear: No Man Around
Changing tires is not an easy job on the side of the road, but that doesn't mean a woman can't handle the situation. Goodyear of the sixties disagreed.
This makes me wonder just how well these early run-flat tires worked in practice?
Suggested By: The_Phalanx
8.) The Subaru GL Coupe
Subaru went as far as picturing the front-wheel drive sport coupe as a "spirited woman". Comparing women to cars has always been a risky business, and this is really far from being flattering.
Suggested By: the_hubix, Photo Credit: Subaru
7.) Goodyear Polyglass
Well, it seems like Goodyear tires are on fire today!
Suggested By: Andynumbers
6.) Mini Automatic
Simple pleasures from Mini. Also, a pint for me and a glass of white wine for the lady.
Suggested By: My X-type is too a real Jaguar, Photo Credit: British Leyland
5.) Volkswagen Parking Assist
A sexist ad from ages ago is not that shocking since that's just how things were back then. But this Golf advertisement is not old enough to fall into that category. Bad point for Wolfsburg there.
Suggested By: jus1029, Photo Credit: Volkswagen
4.) Cadillac
In a Cadillac, women can only be passengers:
One of the special delights which ladies find in Cadillac ownership is the pleasure of being a passenger. First of all, there is the sheer physical luxury of riding in a new Cadillac. The car is wondrously spacious and comfortable - and perfectly proportioned for complete freedom of movement. Then there is the enchanting interior beauty...the marvellous convenience of it's appointments...the great smoothness of ride...and the marvellous quietness of operation. We invite you to visit your local dealer soon...with the man of the house - and spend an hour in the passenger seat of a 1959 Cadillac. We know you will agree that it is the world's nicest place to sit.
Suggested By: V8-aholic, Photo Credit: General Motors
3.) Leyland's Vital Statistics
Anne Aston's boobs or the vans? Both, according to British Leyland!
Suggested By: AndehW, Photo Credit: British Leyland
2.) 1964 Buick Riviera
The 1964 Buick Riviera is not only a big adventure, but also a car that "only a man can really understand".
Suggested By: Eric Siedlecki
1.) Dodge's Eternal Triangle
Your Charger R/T now comes with submissive lady friends as standard!
Suggested By: Jonee, Photo Credit: Chrysler
Welcome back to Answers of the Day - our daily Jalopnik feature where we take the best ten responses from the previous day's Question of the Day and shine it up to show off. It's by you and for you, the Jalopnik readers. Enjoy!
Photo Credit: Goodyear (1960)