In recent years, the internet has become a hotbed for the rapid spread of misinformation, a trend that has not spared even the community of car enthusiasts. The latest buzz? A whisper of Pontiac’s return, sparked by an advertisement in the May/June issue of Car and Driver Magazine, which quickly escalated into a widespread conversation filled with eager anticipation.
The ad in question was not splashed across the coveted front pages, known for featuring cutting-edge automotive breakthroughs, but rather tucked away on Cover 3. This placement, once prestigious, now serves as a reminder of the print industry’s decline in the face of digital media’s ascent, much like the fates of MotorTrend and other renowned magazine titles.
This supposed advertisement was a tribute to Pontiac’s heyday, with its striking typography and the iconic “Screaming Chicken” emblem front and center. It teased a comeback, suggesting a new model that would blend the raw power of the past with the innovations of the future—a hybrid engine with the heart of a V-8. (which actually meant, a battery is used to turn an electric starter to turn a gasoline engine) however closer inspection raised doubts other doubts. The ad was almost too perfect to those yearning for the muscle car era’s resurgence.
Though there was a discreet disclaimer on the bottom of this ad that stated "DISCLAIMER: Do you need to be told that this advertisment is fake and not to be taken seriously? Our Lawyers link you do"
GM also revealed the reality that this was not an official declaration from General Motors.
It was a clever ruse by Car and Driver, a publicity stunt cleverly tied to the magazine publishing industry, designed to evoke nostalgia and possibly boost sales in an era where print is struggling to remain relevant or they just didn't have anyone to buy an add on that Cover 3, which is highly likely in this digital age. While it’s uncertain if the stunt translated to increased magazine sales—given the current state where selling even two out of ten magazines on newsstands is a feat—it certainly succeeded in generating the intended buzz Car and Driver wanted it to be.
The ad’s story spread like wildfire, igniting discussions and debates among car aficionados on platforms like YouTube, X, and various Pontiac Forums, where everyone claims expertise.
Even these forums members had high hopes!
For some, it was an amusing nod to a cherished marque. Others experienced a nostalgic twinge, a poignant reminder of what once was. And then there were those who believed the rumor, because, after all, they “read it”—a testament to the current climate of belief.
As the excitement at the beginning faded, the enthusiasts began to see the ad for what it truly was: a lighthearted diversion in an often overly serious world. Pontiac may remain a relic of automotive past, but the legend of its rumored revival, even as a heartwarming reminder that sometimes, reflecting on the past can bring joy to our present.
And so, the story of the Pontiac ad in Car and Driver has woven itself into the fabric of car culture, becoming an endearing tale of hope, humor, and an enduring love for a brand that, while absent from the present, continues to occupy a fond place in the hearts of enthusiasts including ourselfs.
