Autotrader enlists Drunk History director for Bronze Age-inspired ad

By Kyle O'Brien, Creative Works Editor

September 3, 2019 | 3 min read

Nobody really knows the details of the barter system in the Nordic Woodlands in 75 BC, but Derek Waters, director and creator of the Comedy Central show Drunk History, had an idea of what it might be like in the latest campaign from Autotrader.

Autotrader's 'Finally, It's Easy' campaign

In the online auto marketplace’s first work with global creative agency, 72andSunny New York, the creative dispels the ideology that car buying has been a major nuisance throughout history, even way before cars. ‘Finally, It’s Easy’ highlights moments of history like the Nordic Bronze Age, when sleds ruled.

In his first traditional advertising campaign, Waters imagines two Norse men talking in their sleds. One marvels at the other’s new sled, wondering what he paid for it. When the owner of the slick new sled, being pulled by reindeer, says ‘seven pelts’, the other thinks it’s too high. Then, in a world of suspended belief, a woman pulls up blaring the horn in a new pickup truck and says, “Should have used Autotrader,” while showing them the app.

"It was a really great experience. It was great playing with history in the commercial world," said Waters. "Truly a fun learning experience and think we made some good spots. Hoping they end up airing for a while and that there’s more to come.”

Added Bryan Rowles, executive creative director and partner, 72andSunny New York: “There's a deep commitment from Autotrader to take the pain and uncertainty out of car buying. Which is pretty awesome because, since the dawn of humankind, car buying has been incredibly painful and filled with skepticism. This campaign has some fun with the historical drama around car buying that we can all relate to, while offering up Autotrader as the (finally) easy, fast and reassuring option.”

The ‘Finally, It’s Easy’ campaign will air nationally across cable, radio, network and streaming television platforms, digital, social and major programming including MLB Playoffs, NFL Monday Night Football and the NBA season kickoff.