Classic TV: Going Ford is the Going Thing (1960s)

    Patrick Jackson 30 August, 2024

    going ford is the going thing

    Kids riding in the back of utes and a swingin' psychedelic pop jingle – big brand TV commercials sure have changed significantly in the past 50 years.

    In the late 1960s, Ford rolled out one of its catchiest and best-known jingles, "Going Ford is the Going Thing". The track was so well-loved it was even released as a 60-second vinyl single, with it attributed to Ford's own band by the fitting name of The Going Thing.

    60 second jinge

    This campaign was part of Ford’s push to position the Falcon GT as a symbol of performance and Australian ingenuity, and it played a significant role in cementing the Falcon GT's status as an iconic Aussie muscle car.

    Like Holden's ads around the same period, however, this jingle was shared with the company's American arm.

    Although left lyrically unchanged for the Australian market, our version leaned into the more upbeat sound of the era, while the US version – used to promote the 1969 lineup which included the Mustang and Torino – had a slower tempo and was performed in a lower key. In the US, there was even a full LP of songs performed by The Going Thing for dealerships to play in 1969 and 1970.

    Despite that US connection, this still remains one of Ford's most iconic commercials here, with the uniquely Aussie imagery and sound ensuring it is still remembered fondly Down Under.

    going ford is the going thing

    Patrick Jackson

    Writer

    I am an automotive journalist with more than eight years of experience across a range of online, print, and broadcast media titles.

    My focus is primarily on automotive content, having launched the car review website Drive Section in 2019 and automotive adventure site Essential Drives in 2024.

    I am a passionate car enthusiast with a particular interest in classic cars.

    My past credits include DriveTribe, Vehicle History, Finder, ForceGT, The Weekender Herald, Supercar Blondie, and WhichCar.

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