Here’s a clip of Neil Armstrong, semi-reclusive Gemini 8 and Apollo 11 astronaut, doing a TV spot for Chrysler vehicles in 1979. Neil did a pretty good job at being a pitchman despite not having acting experience; being a living symbol of one of the greatest engineering feats of all time certainly added to his credibility as an automobile company’s spokesman.

Many have wondered why Neil chose to advertise vehicles in the late 1970s. Well, when you were the first man to step on the Moon’s surface, I’m pretty sure you can do whatever you want. There’s your answer.

Emily Carney is a writer, space enthusiast, and creator of the This Space Available space blog, published since 2010. In January 2019, Emily’s This Space Available blog was incorporated into the National Space Society’s blog. The content of Emily’s blog can be accessed via the This Space Available blog category.

Note: The views expressed in This Space Available are those of the author and should not be considered as representing the positions or views of the National Space Society.