What is even going on with these Chevrolet ads from the 1930s?

The 1930s was a decidedly different time in history... especially for automakers. At least, that's what these bizarre ads will have you thinking.

We had a laugh at the recent slew of "normal people" commercials created by Chevrolet in the US to promote their current lineup. It's all this kind of 'lifestyle' focus with hip trendy young people saying how cool and unexpected their cars are.

Needless to say, the parody writes itself. But it turns out this is no new idea to Chevrolet who was first at this 'lifestyle' thing way back in the 1930s.

Exhibit 1 - Dog Hood Ornament

Y'know what's trendy? Pets. Yeah, long before the days of things like 'pet cafes' (popular in Melbourne...) pets were evidently a valuable marketing tool. Although, this 1935 commercial may be borderline animal abuse. How they managed to get the poor thing to stay still in that 'hood ornament' spot is anyone's guess. He has goggles though...

Exhibit 2 - Oh Deer

This one continues the pet trend, sort of. I'm not even really sure what he marketing value of this video is. A Chevrolet car features, sure, but that whole message seems to be lost in the narrative of owning a deer as a pet... I think it's to spruik the amount of space available in the back seat? Anyway, the deer's name is Pete, which is perhaps the least weird thing about this clip.

Exhibit 3 - OHS Issues

This video is titled 'Beach Surfing'. What fun you can have with a Chevrolet, you can even be sexist and put your collection of women's lives in danger at the same time. It features a painful looking stack and some definately-illegal-today roof-riding.

Exhibit 4 - BE CAREFUL, MR.MOTORIST

Man, Chevrolet had some amazing top-shelf safety features in the 1930s, like this friggin' gigantic police speaker, apparently unheard of at the time. The video features the police politely telling people not to do things that you'd just get a fat fine for these days. Turns out 'Jaywalking' was a common term during the '30s, actually dating back to 1917, the more you know.

Anyway, there's a whole bunch more of these on the GMHeritageCenter YouTube channel if you want to lose an hour having a laugh at what was considered 'okay' or 'safe' in the '30s.

What's the worst car commercial you've ever seen? Tell us about it in the comments.