70s Spots: Mercury Monarch ‘Mercedes Challenge’ (1975)

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Mercury beats Mercedes? (Monarch commercial, 1975)

Mercury beats Mercedes?
(Monarch commercial, 1975)

“41 out of 50 rated Monarch’s performance superior…”

Did you know that in a test of “handling and driving-comfort” Mercury Monarch beats a Mercedes? Well, now you do. The spot below aired in May of 1975.

Like me, you’ll recognize the actor in this commercial from various film and TV appearances. Unlike me, you may be able to name him. Feel free to let me know.

*Update: Astute reader, Michael Lane has identified the actor as Arthur Hill.

Mercury Monarch ‘Mercedes Challenge’ Commercial, 1975

Previously on 70s Spots: Grecian Formula 16 (1975)

70s Spots: Grecian Formula 16 (1975)

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A bottle on the box. (Grecian Formula 16 commercial, 1975)

A bottle on the box.
(Grecian Formula 16 commercial, 1975)

“It’s as easy to use as water…”

The following product always makes me think of Ronald Reagan, who famously-claimed he didn’t use hair dye. Did he, perhaps, use Grecian Formula 16 instead?

The spot below aired in January of 1975 and was likely produced in 1974.

Grecian Formula Commercial, 1975

Previously on 70s Spots: American Express ‘NYC’ (1974)

70s Spots: American Express ‘NYC’ (1974)

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'oh, oh, oh, you're a native New Yorker...' American Express commercial, 1974

‘oh, oh, oh, you’re a native New Yorker…’
American Express commercial, 1974

“How many ways can you use your credit card?”

Greetings, and Happy Friday! Here’s a spot for American Express featuring testimonials from New Yorkers. The commercial aired in March of 1974.

American Express ‘NYC’ Commercial, 1974

Previously on 70s Spots: Hardee’s Steak Sandwich (1974)

70s Spots: Hardee’s Steak Sandwich (1974)

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But wait, there's more... Hardee's commercial, 1974

But wait, there’s more…
Hardee’s commercial, 1974

“You get a real good feeling inside.”

Here’s a Hardee’s commercial where a two-for-the-price-of-one steak sandwich deal is on offer. The spot aired in April of 1974.

Hardee’s Steak Sandwich Commercial, 1974

Previously on 70s Spots: Persona Double II Razor (Buck Rogers, 1973)

70s Spots: Persona Double II Razor (Buck Rogers, 1973)

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Gil Gerard cleans up for Persona, 1973

Gil Gerard cleans up for Persona, 1973

“It’s two blades better.”

Last time on 70s Spots, we featured a Dr. Grabow pipe ad with Erin Gray. This time around, it seemed only appropriate to feature a commercial with Gray’s Buck Rogers in the 25th Century co-star, Gil Gerard.

Here’s Gerard in a December 1973 spot for Persona Double II razors.

Persona Double II Razor Commercial, Buck Rogers, 1973

Previously on 70s Spots: Dr. Grabow Pipes (Erin Gray, 1979)

70s Spots: Dr. Grabow Pipes (Erin Gray, 1979)

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Sure, Erin Gray looks great in this spot, but I can't help myself. Here's a shot of 70s cheesiness instead. (Dr. Grabow Pipes commercial, 1977)

Sure, Erin Gray looks great in this spot, but I can’t help myself. Here’s a shot of 70s cheesiness instead.
(Dr. Grabow Pipes commercial, 1977)

“My men are so smart.”

Erin Gray, the soon-to-be co-star of Buck Rogers in the 25th Century, is the spokesperson in this spot for Dr. Grabow pipes. The commercial aired in December of 1979. Now, put that in your pipe and smoke it!

Grabow Pipes Commercial, Erin Gray, 1979

Previously on 70s Spots: Publix Market ‘Hawaiian Luau’ (1977)