Submitted photoThe 1968 Javalin by AMC was a hot car 50 years ago.

It’s difficult to imagine today, but 50 years ago, new car advertising filled the pages of the Chieftain. Car dealerships we grouped around downtown Enterprise.

Some of you remember the vehicles of the late ‘60s. A few of you may still own one of those vehicles.

Milligan Motors was at 108 NE First St. in Enterprise.

The ’68 Nova, Camaro, Chevelle and Impala, not to mention the Corvette, were billed as the “essence of modern design.”

In its advertising, Milligans touted “the most sophisticated computers” to isolate and deal with noise and vibration. I wonder if anyone back then ever dreamed one day an onboard computer would control the essential functions of every automobile.

Milligans also carried the Oldsmobile line, or as it was called its advertising, the “young mobile.”

Joseph Sales Co. Inc. was also on First St. in Enterprise. Their line included Ramblers. Remember those?

Most Ramblers were known for their push-button transmission, an idea that was much ahead of its time.

The big push for the season was the Javelin. The 1968 model was the first production year for that vehicle made by American Motors Corp.

It was considered a muscle car. Also on hand at Joseph Sales were the Ambassador and Rebel.

Over at Moffit Ford Sales, the push for the season was, what else, the Mustang. Affordable and sporty with long hoods, these cars were introduced in 1962, and you could drive one home for around $2,500.

This was the first model year for the Ford Torino, as well, which essentially replaced the Fairlane. It morphed into the Gran Torino in 1972. You might recall the movie that debuted in 2008 with the same name as the car.

Gettings-Lynch Motors in La Grande made a serious play for the Wallowa County auto-buying market with week after week of large advertisements.

The Pontiac Le Mans was the featured car for the ’68 model year, along with the “wide-tracking” Gand Prix.

The custom for auto dealerships 50 years ago was to hold a huge open houses inviting everyone in to see the new models and enjoy refreshments.

I remember the Chevy dealership in my hometown hosting a huge beef stew feed every fall to encourage folks to shop. My parents attended out of community loyalty but with no intention whatsoever of purchasing a cursed Chevy.

The ‘60s was also the decade American car manufacturers decided small cars were okay after Fiat, Renault, Datsun and others began eating into their market.

My aunt, who died recently, bought one of the first Chevy Corvairs with its rear mounted air-cooled engine. I remember the thrill of riding in the tiny hatch that replaced a traditional trunk in the rear of the vehicle.

My first car, purchased in 1978, was a baby blue 1962 Volkswagen Beetle. It had a half-million miles on it, but ran like the Energizer Bunny and sipped gasoline. Of course, gas was only 39 cents a gallon at the time, but I was always the frugal sort.

I loved that car, but this was northern North Dakota and the Beetle essentially had no heater. After one winter of freezing cold temps inside the car, I decided to trade it for something with a more traditional heating system but far less panache.