Finally! The Full Story Of The Iconic Victory Auto Wreckers Commercial

By Jim Bochnowski in News on Apr 9, 2015 8:50PM

Anyone who has watched a copious amount of television in the Chicagoland area has inevitably seen the classic commercial for Victory Auto Wreckers, an auto salvage yard near O'Hare airport.

The Distance recently spoke to the Victory manager Kyle Weisner to find out the full story behind the iconic ad and to elaborate on why the commercial is finally getting an update. Debuting in 1985, the commercial never changed because Weisner's father believed that the company's message had also never changed, so obviously there was no point in altering the advertisement. However, after thirty years on the air and a significant amount of rehabilitation work on the business itself, the auto yard has decided to finally film a new ad.

While we completely understand Weisner's reasoning, we can't help but feel it is truly the end of an era in Chicagoland advertising. This iconic bit of local flavor has been around for 30 years and we always just assumed it would be around for 30 more. Instead of mourning Victory Auto Wreckers answering the call for change, we look at some of the other iconic local commercials that could stand to "update" for the modern era.

First example, why is Peter Francis Geraci still delivering monotone addresses directly into the camera? Ben Stein would like his speaking voice back, Pete.

Meanwhile, Glen Lerner, we refuse to conflate "getting in a minor accident" with a major childhood illness. No matter how many 222s you chant at us.

And we've never really understood what is happening in the Walter E Smithe marketing department, and why was Billy Corgan ever involved in selling a sofa?

The Rockenbach Chevrolet theme song still hasn't left our heads (and now it won't leave yours, either!)

And finally, if we're being honest, it's about time poor Eagle Man receives a gritty reboot. (Editor's Note: LIES. I hope Eagle Man never changes, glorious '80s hair styles and all.)