Classic Ads: Moffat and Ford 1-2 at Bathurst 1000 1977

While not exactly classic ads in design or execution, this collection of advertisements illustrate how sponsors love being associated with a winner – even if the connection is tenuous in some instances.

The 1977 Hardie-Ferodo 1000 at Mount Panorama – in particular the result – is well documented. The event was dominated by the works Moffat Ford Dealers team with the Allan Moffat and Jacky Ickx piloted Falcon leading home the sister car of Colin Bond and Alan Hamilton, in what has become an historical 1-2 formation finish.

In fact the entire 1977 Australian Touring Car Championship was dominated by reigning champion Allan Moffat and new team mate Colin Bond. Moffat was victorious in the first five rounds of the championship, ultimately taking out seven of the eleven rounds, to easily clinch his third Australian Touring Car title. Bond also picked up a round win for the team at Adelaide International Raceway.

In addition to their crushing Bathurst result, the two Moffat Ford Dealers drivers added a further six 1-2 results during the course of the championship.

The 1978 season was not anywhere near as successful for the team; no doubt there was a corresponding and dramatic decline in related advertising as well.

by James Meale