It is nice to take a break from the countless minivan and SUV commercials that dominate the internet as well as television these days. In the 1950’s, car advertising focused on quality and beauty, not built in vacuums that were designed to clean up after the goldfish cracker smashing set.

Thanks to the GM Heritage Center, it possible to a trip back to 1955 and enjoy the appeal of the 1955 Cadillac. This classy commercial highlights the style and features of the new model without embellishment that might detract from the luxury sedan. Not to say that GM did not promote new features, but it did so without watering it down.

Children were still messy in the 1950’s, but the cars did cater to features to clean up after them or keep them entertained. There is a certain beauty in the simplicity of classic cars; when you spoke to your car, you were enjoying the performance not asking the computer to make a call or play your child’s favorite song.

One thing that has remained constant is the focus on performance, even in the 1950’s it was important share that information with potential customers. Although 250-horsepower does not sound like a lot by today’s numbers, it truly is an impressive number. Look at the Mustangs and Camaros in the 1980’s and 1990’s, when those cars approached 300-horsepower it was a big deal. Cadillac had 250-horsepower vehicles over 30-years before it became normal in performance cars. It is nice to look back at a time when luxury cars were simplistic and the focus was on driving.