MR2 Advertising
I've only recently run across these ads in some of my own stash of 90's Automobile and Rolling Stone magazines. Both these two are rear cover ads, very cool stuff so I thought I'd share them with you guys.
This ad is for a 1993 model and the ad is set up as if you're looking at a "rough draft" of the final ad. Sorry the picture turned out a little washed out looking... I'll get a shot of the original ad when I turn it up, but this one is on the wall in the office.
The top white caption box reads "The 1993 Toyota MR2. If it were any slower it would be a Ferrari.
The second white caption box reads " It's true. The new 1993 Toyota MR2 Turbo beats out the Ferrari Mondial 0 to 60-MR2 clocks in at 6.2 seconds compared to Ferrari Mondial's 6.6. But where MR2 really gives Ferrari a run for the money is with price. The MR2 Turbo is a fraction of the cost of a Ferrari Mondial. So instead of a Ferrari Mondial, buy a 1993 MR2 Turbo. You'll get a better time 0 to 60, and you'll have a better time with the money you save."
Third white box "I love what you do for me" Toyota
The top "sticky note" yellow box reads, "Which Ferrari? Be specific!" - Mike "Read the ad copy genius" - D
Left "sticky note" yellow box reads, "IMPORTANT! This car is NEW! Mention refined suspension, larger 15" wheels and lower profile tires for enhanced cornering and handling."
Right middle "sticky note" yellow box reads, "Jim Can we get away with this? Yes? No? Or what?" - Tom "Tom, What are you? Nuts? Their lawyers will be all over us like a cheap suit!" - Jim / Legal
Right lower "sticky note" yellow box reads, "Jim: These 0-60 times aren't for the new model, but it looks like the '93's will be just as quick." - M.
Lower "sticky note" yellow box reads, RE: Last Meeting Don't forget, it's got a standard driver-side air bag and NEW/larger brakes."
This next ad is for a 1994 which itself is pretty cool... this comes from the February 1994 issue of Automobile. What looks to be a 94 red sunroof car is in the back of the line of the big picture in the front of the "All-Stars" selection section, however the MR2 is not mentioned as even being tested that year (strange... it certainly looks like an MR2 and even has the 94 style wing!).
This ad reads in small print "By the time you can afford the mid-engine European exotic sports car you've always wanted, you may be too old to read this ad. But not if you buy the new 1994 Toyota MR2. It handles and performs with the spirit of an exotic. MR2 even has standard driver- and passenger-side air bags and all that legendary Toyota quality, too. But at only a fraction of the price of an exotic, you'll be able to enjoy an MR2 now-while you're still young."