Andy
@carbrochureaddict.bsky.social
Historian and auto enthusiast, posting images of car and van brochures from my personal collection.
The cover of this British brochure on Lada's Riva (an early '80s facelift of the original Fiat 124 body) was a world away from the aspirational advertising most manufacturers used, but the company's importer knew its clients well. UK sales of the Soviet saloon were consistently strong. #weirdcarbs
December 9, 2025 at 12:32 PM
The cover of this British brochure on Lada's Riva (an early '80s facelift of the original Fiat 124 body) was a world away from the aspirational advertising most manufacturers used, but the company's importer knew its clients well. UK sales of the Soviet saloon were consistently strong. #weirdcarbs
While the Honda/Rover partnership in Europe mostly kept the two brands' identities separate, one strange exception was this 1996 Honda Concerto TD, sold in France, Italy and Portugal. It was simply a rebadged Rover 218 diesel (with an engine supplied by PSA). #weirdcarbs
December 9, 2025 at 8:33 AM
While the Honda/Rover partnership in Europe mostly kept the two brands' identities separate, one strange exception was this 1996 Honda Concerto TD, sold in France, Italy and Portugal. It was simply a rebadged Rover 218 diesel (with an engine supplied by PSA). #weirdcarbs
Described in this 1974 UK brochure as 'a car with a style all of its own', Saab's 1.5-litre 95 - a sibling of the fastback 96 saloon - was certainly unique enough not to be mistaken for any rival. Its compact estate car design was extremely space-efficient, with seating for up to seven. #weirdcarbs
December 8, 2025 at 5:31 PM
Described in this 1974 UK brochure as 'a car with a style all of its own', Saab's 1.5-litre 95 - a sibling of the fastback 96 saloon - was certainly unique enough not to be mistaken for any rival. Its compact estate car design was extremely space-efficient, with seating for up to seven. #weirdcarbs
Britain was Proton's only significant European market, but its volume days were over after the 1990s, and its newer models failed to make much impact. This 2008 brochure features the largely-forgotten Satria Neo, marketed as an economical performance car. #weirdcarbs
December 8, 2025 at 1:58 PM
Britain was Proton's only significant European market, but its volume days were over after the 1990s, and its newer models failed to make much impact. This 2008 brochure features the largely-forgotten Satria Neo, marketed as an economical performance car. #weirdcarbs
Ford was rather late to the MPV party in Europe but that didn't stop the company invoking the memory of its founder, Henry Ford, in this 1996 brochure on the new Galaxy to imply this car 'for the great multitude' was something quite revolutionary. #weirdcarbs
December 8, 2025 at 8:16 AM
Ford was rather late to the MPV party in Europe but that didn't stop the company invoking the memory of its founder, Henry Ford, in this 1996 brochure on the new Galaxy to imply this car 'for the great multitude' was something quite revolutionary. #weirdcarbs
In its twilight, the classic Fiat nuova 500 saw a few changes during 1972, notably an 18hp version of the 594cc engine from the new 126, introduced the same year. It also got 126 wheels, while inside the trim was simplified compared to the earlier 500L. This '500R' continued until 1975. #weirdcarbs
December 7, 2025 at 5:04 PM
In its twilight, the classic Fiat nuova 500 saw a few changes during 1972, notably an 18hp version of the 594cc engine from the new 126, introduced the same year. It also got 126 wheels, while inside the trim was simplified compared to the earlier 500L. This '500R' continued until 1975. #weirdcarbs
The Opel GT roadster, launched in 2007, was a short-lived GM model-sharing effort, built in the USA. The 2.0-litre turbo model, whose name recalled the iconic Opel GT coupé of the late '60, was closely related to the new Saturn Sky, itself derived from the Pontiac Solstice. #weirdcarbs
December 7, 2025 at 1:23 PM
The Opel GT roadster, launched in 2007, was a short-lived GM model-sharing effort, built in the USA. The 2.0-litre turbo model, whose name recalled the iconic Opel GT coupé of the late '60, was closely related to the new Saturn Sky, itself derived from the Pontiac Solstice. #weirdcarbs
This 1973 Chrysler France brochure posed quite a dilemma for customers after a 1.3-litre 'break'. Three different estate cars, each with a different engine, were offered by the company. Two were French Simcas (one fwd, one rwd) while the third was a British rwd Hillman, badged Sunbeam. #weirdcarbs
December 7, 2025 at 9:24 AM
This 1973 Chrysler France brochure posed quite a dilemma for customers after a 1.3-litre 'break'. Three different estate cars, each with a different engine, were offered by the company. Two were French Simcas (one fwd, one rwd) while the third was a British rwd Hillman, badged Sunbeam. #weirdcarbs
Purpose-built MPVs began to appear in the 1980s, and Nissan's contribution was the Prairie, with rear sliding doors and flexible seating. This UK brochure features the 1.8 Anniversary II model, with two-tone paint which made the car look a little less square. #weirdcarbs
December 6, 2025 at 5:04 PM
Purpose-built MPVs began to appear in the 1980s, and Nissan's contribution was the Prairie, with rear sliding doors and flexible seating. This UK brochure features the 1.8 Anniversary II model, with two-tone paint which made the car look a little less square. #weirdcarbs
The Metrosport was designed by British specialist coachbuilder Rapport as the first open-top conversion of the then-new Austin Metro. When Rapport hit financial trouble, the design was taken on by a small outfit in Abingdon, although it seems few were made. #weirdcarbs
December 6, 2025 at 12:53 PM
The Metrosport was designed by British specialist coachbuilder Rapport as the first open-top conversion of the then-new Austin Metro. When Rapport hit financial trouble, the design was taken on by a small outfit in Abingdon, although it seems few were made. #weirdcarbs
One of the most distinctive-looking cars of its era, the Volvo 1800 2+2 coupé had originally been built for the company by Jensen in the UK. By the time of this Swedish brochure from 1963, production had just moved to the marque's native Sweden (hence the S added to the car's name). #weirdcarbs
December 6, 2025 at 9:15 AM
One of the most distinctive-looking cars of its era, the Volvo 1800 2+2 coupé had originally been built for the company by Jensen in the UK. By the time of this Swedish brochure from 1963, production had just moved to the marque's native Sweden (hence the S added to the car's name). #weirdcarbs
Austrian 4X4 specialist Steyr-Daimler-Puch was responsible for building the Mercedes G since its launch, and the terms of the agreement also allowed it to sell the model with Puch badges, principally in Switzerland and Austria. This 1994 brochure features Puch's plushest offerings. #weirdcarbs
December 5, 2025 at 4:33 PM
Austrian 4X4 specialist Steyr-Daimler-Puch was responsible for building the Mercedes G since its launch, and the terms of the agreement also allowed it to sell the model with Puch badges, principally in Switzerland and Austria. This 1994 brochure features Puch's plushest offerings. #weirdcarbs
Mercury models were usually slightly fancier versions of North American Fords, but occasionally the marques diverged. The Mazda 323-based Tracer in this 1987 Canadian brochure replaced the Ford Escort-based Mercury Lynx, while the Escort itself stayed on sale as a Ford. #weirdcarbs
December 5, 2025 at 12:48 PM
Mercury models were usually slightly fancier versions of North American Fords, but occasionally the marques diverged. The Mazda 323-based Tracer in this 1987 Canadian brochure replaced the Ford Escort-based Mercury Lynx, while the Escort itself stayed on sale as a Ford. #weirdcarbs
Fiat's staple medium-sized model through much of the 1960s, the 1500 (sharing many elements with the cheaper 1300) was presented stylishly in this Dutch brochure from circa 1964. Rear-wheel-drive, it had a 75bhp 1481cc engine. #weirdcarbs
December 5, 2025 at 8:57 AM
Fiat's staple medium-sized model through much of the 1960s, the 1500 (sharing many elements with the cheaper 1300) was presented stylishly in this Dutch brochure from circa 1964. Rear-wheel-drive, it had a 75bhp 1481cc engine. #weirdcarbs
To celebrate Citroën's return to the World Rally Championship the company came up with special 'by LOEB' editions. This 2009 UK brochure shows the version based on the attractive C4 coupé. Although named after star driver Sébastien Loeb, the package did not offer extra performance #weirdcarbs
December 4, 2025 at 6:35 PM
To celebrate Citroën's return to the World Rally Championship the company came up with special 'by LOEB' editions. This 2009 UK brochure shows the version based on the attractive C4 coupé. Although named after star driver Sébastien Loeb, the package did not offer extra performance #weirdcarbs
One of the legendary series of fashionable Pike Factory cars for the Japanese market, the 1989 Nissan Pao was consciously styled to reflect the look of small cars from an earlier and simpler era, inside and out. Underneath were the robust mechanicals of a 1-litre Nissan March (Micra). #weirdcarbs
December 4, 2025 at 12:48 PM
One of the legendary series of fashionable Pike Factory cars for the Japanese market, the 1989 Nissan Pao was consciously styled to reflect the look of small cars from an earlier and simpler era, inside and out. Underneath were the robust mechanicals of a 1-litre Nissan March (Micra). #weirdcarbs
The Dolomite name had been used by Triumph in the 1930s and was revived for 1972 on a new 1854cc RWD sports saloon, using the body of the existing FWD Triumph 1500. This early brochure/travelogue followed the car on an 11-day trip through France, Italy and Austria. #weirdcarbs
December 4, 2025 at 8:17 AM
The Dolomite name had been used by Triumph in the 1930s and was revived for 1972 on a new 1854cc RWD sports saloon, using the body of the existing FWD Triumph 1500. This early brochure/travelogue followed the car on an 11-day trip through France, Italy and Austria. #weirdcarbs
The Volkswagen Golf mk1 was sold as the Rabbit in the US and Canada, and it became popular in continental Europe for Golf drivers to affix Rabbit badges to their cars. A logical outcome was VW's launch of a special edition Golf Rabbit, shown here in this 1983 French brochure. #weirdcarbs
December 3, 2025 at 4:58 PM
The Volkswagen Golf mk1 was sold as the Rabbit in the US and Canada, and it became popular in continental Europe for Golf drivers to affix Rabbit badges to their cars. A logical outcome was VW's launch of a special edition Golf Rabbit, shown here in this 1983 French brochure. #weirdcarbs
Various small exotic makes emerged in Brazil, where for many years the car market was closed to imports. Farus offered a mid-engined fibreglass 2-seater with a very stylish body. This TS model was launched in 1981 and shared its 1.6-litre engine with the locally-built VW Passat TS. #weirdcarbs
December 3, 2025 at 12:45 PM
Various small exotic makes emerged in Brazil, where for many years the car market was closed to imports. Farus offered a mid-engined fibreglass 2-seater with a very stylish body. This TS model was launched in 1981 and shared its 1.6-litre engine with the locally-built VW Passat TS. #weirdcarbs
Lancia was riding high in the late 1980s with its European rally success, and the time seemed ripe for the launch of the ultimate version of its Thema saloon, the impressive 8.32, powered by a 2927cc 32 valve Ferrari- engine in slightly modified form. This is its Italian-market brochure. #weirdcarbs
December 3, 2025 at 8:30 AM
Lancia was riding high in the late 1980s with its European rally success, and the time seemed ripe for the launch of the ultimate version of its Thema saloon, the impressive 8.32, powered by a 2927cc 32 valve Ferrari- engine in slightly modified form. This is its Italian-market brochure. #weirdcarbs
Dodge augmented its domestic pick-up range in North America in 1979 with the new 'efficiency size' D-50, imported from its long-term partner, Mitsubishi. The accent was on appearance, with some archetypal '70s stripes and paint jobs. There was also a separate Plymouth-badged version. #weirdcarbs
December 2, 2025 at 4:25 PM
Dodge augmented its domestic pick-up range in North America in 1979 with the new 'efficiency size' D-50, imported from its long-term partner, Mitsubishi. The accent was on appearance, with some archetypal '70s stripes and paint jobs. There was also a separate Plymouth-badged version. #weirdcarbs
During its roller-coaster ride towards bankruptcy, Daewoo briefly took control of its Korean compatriot, SsangYong. The latter's Chairman saloon - based on the Mercedes-Benz W124, in standard and lwb versions - sold as a Daewoo in Eastern Europe: this Czech brochure is from around 1999. #weirdcarbs
December 2, 2025 at 12:08 PM
During its roller-coaster ride towards bankruptcy, Daewoo briefly took control of its Korean compatriot, SsangYong. The latter's Chairman saloon - based on the Mercedes-Benz W124, in standard and lwb versions - sold as a Daewoo in Eastern Europe: this Czech brochure is from around 1999. #weirdcarbs
The MG Midget was at the peak of its pre-Federal bumper desirability at the time of this early-'70s British brochure. The 1275cc roadster appeared on the cover at a pleasing trackside setting, with an eclectic selection of racing vehicles of the era. #weirdcarbs
December 2, 2025 at 8:30 AM
The MG Midget was at the peak of its pre-Federal bumper desirability at the time of this early-'70s British brochure. The 1275cc roadster appeared on the cover at a pleasing trackside setting, with an eclectic selection of racing vehicles of the era. #weirdcarbs
Škoda's next-generation saloon for the late '70s ushered in a neat new bodystyle, while sticking with old rear-engine technology. The range-topping 120LS, identifiable by quad headlamps, features in this launch brochure, produced before the UK importer opted for the Škoda Estelle name. #weirdcarbs
December 1, 2025 at 4:17 PM
Škoda's next-generation saloon for the late '70s ushered in a neat new bodystyle, while sticking with old rear-engine technology. The range-topping 120LS, identifiable by quad headlamps, features in this launch brochure, produced before the UK importer opted for the Škoda Estelle name. #weirdcarbs
The era of two-stroke DKWs had drawn to a close in Europe, but in Brazil one of the company's aged designs got a strikingly-modern Italian-styled body on top of the old platform and 981cc two-stroke engine. It's shown in this 1966 brochure as the short-lived VEMAG Fissore. #weirdcarbs
December 1, 2025 at 12:52 PM
The era of two-stroke DKWs had drawn to a close in Europe, but in Brazil one of the company's aged designs got a strikingly-modern Italian-styled body on top of the old platform and 981cc two-stroke engine. It's shown in this 1966 brochure as the short-lived VEMAG Fissore. #weirdcarbs