In the August 1970 issue of Ford Times, one writer was mesmerized by a new craze taking over lakes, campsites, and backyard patios: “inflatables.” The piece marveled at vinyl armchairs and 25-mph motorized rubber speedboats all brought to life with a little “casual toe-tapping” on the newly trendy foot-bellows pump.

Reading the piece today feels like looking into a retro-futuristic crystal ball. The 1970 author mused about what air-powered novelties lay ahead, wondering if campgrounds would soon offer compressed-air hookups next to the charcoal grills so families could pack entire “blow-up” vacation homes in their trunks. Fast-forward to today, and that mid-century daydream has become essential gear for the modern road trip. From high-tech drop-stitch paddleboards (SUPs) to rapid-pitch air-beam tents, compressed air remains the ultimate secret to traveling big while packing light.

And we can’t forget the article’s mention of an experimental car with inflatable back seats that deflated into extra cargo room. While blow-up upholstery didn’t quite catch on, the pursuit of clever design and effortless adventure certainly did.

Read the story via the Ford Times archive, August 1970. Browse more at FordHeritageVault.com.