This article will only make sense if you’re old enough to remember the Ford Laser, a subcompact car in both sedan and hatchback forms in the early 1980s. Based on the Mazda Familia—which was the first-ever recipient of the Japanese Car of the Year award—the Laser was sold in our market just before the American automaker pulled out of the Philippines due to political unrest.

Anyway, a friend who wishes to stay anonymous was able to recently acquire well-preserved copies of the car’s brochure and flyer from 1981. He purchased these from an eBay seller for $10 each, and was kind enough to lend them to us.

One look at the flyer and you immediately get reminded of the Laser’s popular variants at the time, including the top-of-the-line four-door Ghia. And, oh, check out the specs from the ’80s. These cars were powered by 1.3- or 1.4-liter engines producing around 65hp and yielding some 17km per liter of fuel.

Remember those classic five- and three-door Laser hatchbacks?

Even then, exaggerated marketing claims were the norm. “You also experience confident control, as you might at the wheel of a sophisticated sports car.” Okay.

The things we take for granted now—like mud flaps, concealed tools and power side mirrors—used to be a big deal back then. And yes, anti-corrosion warranties were a must.

We dare say the Lynx, the Focus and even the Fiesta all pale in comparison to the Laser in terms of market acceptance in the Philippines. Those were fun times indeed. What do you remember with fondness from the 1980s?