I bet movie stars regret some of the things they did to make a buck back in the day.
Before Dustin Hoffman he won an Academy Award and cracked the big time, he did some commercials for the German brand back in the 1970’s.
At the age of 29, Hoffman had only a few off-Broadway gigs and a couple of TV appearances to his name.
Desperate to make a buck, he was offered the role in the commercial, no doubt because of his small stature, demonstrating the roominess of the Volkswagen Fastback.
It’s surprising really considering that Hoffman, now 85 years of age, is Jewish, with parents who hailed from Ukraine and Romania.
In fact, some Jewish people will not buy German cars, Volkswagen or otherwise.
It could have been worse — it could have been, cough – a diesel.
If Volkswagen had been smart, they might have offered a Karmann Ghia to the producers of the 1967 hit The Graduate.
Instead, Ben receives a 1966 Alfa Romeo Duetto Spider as a graduation present which he uses to drive Mrs Robinson home.
It’s been suggested the Alfa may represent one of the earliest examples of product placement.
Dustin Hoffman’s uncle was an Alfa Romeo importer.
Here’s to you, Mr Hoffman.
Jesus loves you more than you will know,
Whoa, whoa, whoa . . .
CHECKOUT: Karmann Ghia was a knock off
CHECKOUT: Spider outlived maker by 27 years