Way Back When: Dustin Hoffman Used to Help Volkswagen Sell Cars
Photo: Movie studio
Depending on your age, you likely know Dustin Hoffman for his roles in iconic films like Rain Man, The Graduate, Tootsie, and I guess Meet the Fockers… But a year before his breakthrough role as Ben Braddock in The Graduate, Hoffman starred in a quirky, hilarious 1966 commercial for a Volkswagen Type 3 fastback sedan.
Buying Used? See the value of a Certified Pre-Owned Volkswagen
At just 29 years old, the aspiring actor had already been in some off-Broadway productions and had booked a few small television roles. But before being nominated for an Academy Award, the 5’6” Hoffman was helping to sell a vintage VW, telling viewers at home just how amazing and spacious the vehicle was as he jumped in and out of (and around) the vehicle.
Photo: Jeremy from Sydney, Australia
_TL_fastback_sedan_(25601122890).jpg){kind=link}
For years, many people were cautious to purchase Volkswagen vehicles because the Beetle was considered incredibly small during the era of station wagons. But when the 1966 Type 3 made its debut in America, VW wanted to focus on how versatile it could be. Hiring Hoffman was the best thing the automaker could have done, to be honest. With his small stature and impeccable comedic timing, the commercial is wonderfully endearing and attention-grabbing.
More VW: Learn more about The People First Warranty
It must have worked, too; the Type 3 was produced for seven additional years until 1973. At that point, VW started branching out with larger vehicles and created what we all commonly refer to as the VW bus. While Hoffman hasn’t starred in a Volkswagen commercial since his early fame, we’d like to think he has a special spot in his heart for the VW fastback sedan.
Watch Dustin Hoffman sell the VW Type 3:
Ben never thought he’d be writing about cars for a living, but here he is, knowing more about the Kia Stinger than he’d care to admit. When he’s not devoting his time to researching engine specs and other oh-so-exciting car details, he can be found enjoying time with his wife and dogs. See more articles by Ben.