Long before sweepstakes were widely disregarded as a con aimed at convincing people to buy things they don't need — despite the long-running disclaimer of "no purchase necessary" — consumers had hope they'd actually win something. Enter these spectacularly '60s and '70s sweepstakes, complete with cars, cash, and even a date with Spock himself.
From yachts to trips to Sweden, here are 30 seriously primo sweepstakes from the 1960s and 1970s.
1
“Quaker Cereals Sweepstakes, Puffed Wheat, Puffed Rice, Shredded Wheat, Quisp Quake, Life, Cap 'N Crunch, and more. 1968.”
2
“Match your lipstick to your 1967 Ford Mustang! Print ad for Tussy cosmetics (and presumably Ford).”
3
“Write your own ticket! 1966.”
4
“Win a trip to Sweden. Touch of Sweden Hand Lotion, 1974.”
5
“A date with Spock! Ad circa 1968/69 announcing a contest for a breakfast with Leonard Nimoy, offered as part of the Twin Cities Winter Carnival celebrations. Winners also rode in the parade! Nice!”
6
“Baggies Filled With Cash! Baggies® 1964.”
7
“Kraft Chocolates/Mary Poppins Giveaway”
8
“Dr Pepper's Charge! Get Goin' Again Sweepstakes, 1968.”
9
“Junior Mints Vacation to the Stars Sweepstakes”
10
“Mennen Swingin’ Sweepstakes!”
11
“The Breck Beautiful Hair Beautiful Downtown Burbank Laugh-n Sweepstakes”
12
New Wheaties Outdoor Living Sweepstakes
13
“Kool-Cricket $10,000 Sweepstakes”
14
“Gleem Toothpaste - September 1966 - Batman's TV Sweepstakes.”
15
“Win fabulous furs by Schiaparelli in Wyler's 'Fur Weather Friends' Sweepstakes" - Wyler Food ad [1968].”
16
Ultra Brite Toothpaste’s Love-Bug sweepstakes.
17
“1966 Avis Rental Car with Plymouth Fury sweepstakes.”
18
“Hi-C Drinks with $25,000 Sweepstakes offer, 1964.”
19
“Mr. Wrangler Catch-a-Mustang Sweepstakes”
20
“Kentucky Fried Chicken 'Bike-to-school' Sweepstakes at upstate NY locations (September 23, 1976).”
21
“Neet Hair Remover with '78 AMC Pacer, Trip, Camera and Perfume Sweepstakes [1977].”
22
“A Kool cigarettes sweepstakes, 1975: the 63ft yacht 'Lucky Lady' from the film of the same name was the grand prize.”
23
“General Electric with Mr. Magoo ‘Light Up Your Lifestyle’ sweepstakes, BH&G, 1979.”
24
“Dunkin' Donuts Party Time Sweepstakes - October 1971 - Win a 1972 Dodge Dart Demon.”
25
“Famous Clark Bar Superhero Sweepstakes.”
26
“Pennsylvania House 1776 Sweepstakes [1975]”
27
“Win A Pair of AMC Pacer cars with Dial's "Bars and Cars" Sweepstakes [1975].”
28
“RCA and Glad Sweepstakes, 1978”
29
“Poster for the Star Wars Toyota Space Fantasy Sweepstakes, 1977. Artwork by John Van Hamersveld.”
30
“Yardley SWEEP-you-off-your-feet-STAKES!”