In this 1966 dealer film, the production crew turns the cameras around and shows us how a Chevrolet commercial was created, including some novel special effects.

For the 1966 model year, Chevrolet produced a feature-length film extravaganza for its dealers called Impact ’66, complete with Hollywood-style production values and hosted by Lorne Greene, star of the NBC television western Bonanza. (Chevrolet was a presenting sponsor of the popular 1959-73 horse opera.)  While the movie runs a bit too long for internet viewing, we have featured a few select excerpts now and then, and here’s another choice item: a behind-the-scenes look at the filming of a rather unique commercial for the 1966 Chevy big-car line.

As we’ve noted previously at Mac’s Motor City Garage, Chevrolet’s marketing budget in the 1960s was an embarrassment of riches. With more total sales than the rest of the General Motors divisions combined, Chevrolet had one of the most popular and profitable products on the planet, and an ad budget to match. This behind-the-cameras look at a commercial production was no doubt designed to demonstrate to dealers across the country that the company was spending big bucks to lure buyers into the showrooms. So here’s an interesting reveal of one of the more unusual car commercials ever produced. Video follows.

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