Pontiac through the decades

You may have heard that GM is phasing out the Pontiac brand by the end of 2010. As my favorite car brand since I was a teenager, it’s sad to see it go. It’s hard to imagine the yearly Twin Cities Auto Show without checking out the new Pontiac models. I’m a former Pontiac driver, and “admirer” of the 60’s GTO’s and 70’s Trans Ams. I remember when I was 16, all I wanted was a new black Grand Am GTP.

Pontiac has been around since 1927. If a car company abandoning a brand with that much history isn’t enough of a sign that the American auto industry needs help, then I don’t know what is.

Here’s a stroll down memory lane featuring memorable Pontiac advertising campaigns from every decade dating back to the 50s. I’m sure at least one of these campaigns was memorable to you, I know all of them from the 80’s to today are for me. Who could forget the “driving excitement” jingles from the 80’s?

2000’s:

1990’s:

1980’s:

1970’s:

1960’s:

1950’s: