I’ve become a big fan of Jalopnik, a sort of Gawker for the plugs-and-carbureter crowd — especially when it highlights car ads. Maybe it’s the sincerity advertisers must feel they need to demonmstrate to sell a car, or maybe it’s because cars change so quickly. Maybe because the car maker has to make the model — soon to look boxy and outdated next to newer models — look baaaad. Or maybe it’s just the hair. Whatever the reason, it must be said: Car ads don’t age well.

For example, this ad for Renault’s Le Car, which is either a sly homage to Bullitt or a tribute made before the invention of irony.

Then there’s the Lada, a much-loathed Russian vehicle, and the wonderful ad at the top of the post. To understand the hate of the Lada, watch Jeremy Clarkson of the BBC destroy one. He declares: “This steering wheel has absolutely nothing to do whatsoever with the direction of travel. This is the world’s first wind-guided vehicle.”

Or this one, in which Apple Computer cofounder Steve Wozniak gets all hot and bothered over a car Scott Baio might be embarrassed to drive. (Think a Datsun 280Z ad can’t get worse hair than Woz’s? Think again.)

Or how about a bad to the bone Buick? Hold me.

The judge will rule. Oh yes he will.

Remember the WWF’s Iron Sheik? “Invisible Freedom!”

This ad is pretty cool. Wonder how well it’ll date.