When sex sold cars

In the 20th century cars were sold not by economy statistics and men in suits, but by half-naked women perched on the bonnet.

It’s a marketing tactic that might not last 5 minutes in the modern world but, back then, sex sold.

Now Haynes has released a new book to commemorate this most subtle of selling techniques. My Dad’s Motors, published this month, takes a whimsical look back at these less-enlightened (and certainly less PC) times.

The book contains photographs of how manufacturers, their press officers and ad-men set about the business of promoting and selling new cars.

Author Adam Powley takes readers on a journey through the 50’s to the end of the century, stopping off at the likes of Linda Lusardi and Joanna Lumley along the way.

Dads all over the country will enjoy looking at the fine cars (Yeah right –Ed.) on display in My Dad’s Motors, a perfect gift for Father’s Day.