Advertising British Cars of the 50s. Heon Stevenson (First Edition H/B) 1991

 ADVERTISING BRITISH CARS OF THE 50s by Heon Stevenson.

As the clouds of war finally rolled back from Britain a brave new age of consumerism was exposed. In the 'fifties, for the first time, everyone's dream of owning a car could become a reality.

The car makers were quick to spot the opportunity to sell cars in huge numbers in the domestic market, so the advertising battle began....

Through the medium of advertisements Britain's individual car manufacturers fought to gain, or retain, market share All had different approaches and usually chose to emphasise a particular quality ranging through style, performance, technical advancement, luxury, durability, exclusivity, novelty or value for money. Cliches and dubious claims abounded, allied to considerable artistic licence in the renderings of the cars themselves. All of the ads have a period feel and are hugely entertaining from the viewpoint of today.

From Armstrong Siddeley Sapphire to Wolseley 15-60, from the world's "finest 3-wheeler" to "5 star" Fords, enjoy the British cars of the 'fifties and the advertising campaigns designed to sell them.

A FIRST EDITION hardback published in 1991 by Foulis/Haynes