Here’s America’s beloved character actor Bernie Koppell, star of The Love Boat among his many credits, in a commercial pitch for the 1967 Ford Mustang.
The Ford Mustang was riding in tall cotton in 1967. Barely more than two years after its April 1964 rollout, sales of the trend-setting pony car were topping the two-million mark, a product introduction that has hardly been topped to this day. The Dearborn best-seller was treated to a significant makeover for ’67, with very familiar lines but all-new sheet metal that was inches larger in every direction, and the powertrain choices now included a 390 CID big-block V8 with 320 hp.
In this television spot, part of the brand’s “Take the Pledge” campaign for 1967, popular character actor Bernie Kopell stars as Norman, a nerdy ticket-taker who becomes born again, ala Walter Mitty, behind the wheel of his Mustang fastback. The role was a comfortable one for the talented Kopell, best known to Americans as Siegfried in Get Smart (1966-69) and Doc on ABC’s The Love Boat, the 1977-86 TV phenomenon. The big 390 V8 gets scant mention here, but what Norman really likes is the new Tilt-Away steering wheel (a feature first seen on the 1961 Thunderbird, if we recall). And mermaids. Video below.
I have driven a 67 with a 390,,, acceleration is good, brakes are ok and handling is non existent. And that on a decent radial than the bias belt garbage fitted there.
The great big FE lump is simply too big for any handling.
He was great in Get Smart. The Love Boat was for old ladies.