Do You Remember The Ford Simulator For The Atari 2600?

When the Ford Motor Company released the Model T in 1908, it forever changed the landscape of manufacturing and transportation around the world, but most importantly it turned Detroit into "Motor City" and became the largest employer in the city for years.

Since then, it has become a coming-of-age moment for many Americans to learn how to drive. But sitting through driver's training can be a real bore, especially when you want to just start driving. Back in 1987, the Ford Motor Company decided to make learning and advertising cool by creating "The Ford Simulator" for the Atari 2600.

⬇️WITNESS THE RETURN OF THE FORD BRONCO⬇️

Advertising You Can Enjoy

Towards the end of the Atari 2600 era in 1987, the Ford Motor Company was looking to promote its latest lineup of cars for the upcoming season. Video games had taken off in popularity following the arcade boom and games like Pole Position showed racing games were popular among gamers.

So to simulate the experience of driving cars like the Ford Cougar, Mustang GT, or Bronco, the Ford Motor Company allowed users to go to any Ford dealership and get a free copy of the Ford Simulator.

READ MORE: This Looney Tunes Cartoon Might Have a Michigan Connection |

This gave users the chance to drive 16 different car models or view the Ford Buyer's Guide showcasing 29 customizable car models and then "computer your monthly payments" to estimate how much that car would cost in real life. It seems a bit ambitious to assume people would look through the buyer's guide and seriously consider the monthly payments, but you can't knock them for trying.

Since few people own the Atari 2600 these days and even fewer own a random niche Ford Simulator game from 1987, the game is available to play online here. The best part is, no matter how bad of a driver you are, you can't lose. Everyone is a winner!