This 2005 Volkswagen advert became an instant classic when it remixed Gene Kelly’s famous dance routine from the 1952 musical Singin’ in the Rain with a modern, electronic twist.
Created to promote the Volkswagen Golf GTi, the commercial opens with the familiar black-and-white rain-soaked street scene before transforming into a vibrant, stylised performance featuring Gene Kelly breakdancing. Using groundbreaking digital effects and body doubles, the ad seamlessly blended vintage Hollywood charm with cutting-edge technology.
The campaign’s tagline, “The original, updated,” perfectly summed up Volkswagen’s message — honouring classic style while embracing innovation. The advert’s creative blend of nostalgia and modernity struck a chord with audiences, earning widespread acclaim and cementing its place among the most memorable car ads ever made.
The Music in the Volkswagen ‘Singin’ in the Rain’ Advert
Song: Singin’ in the Rain (Remix)
Artist: Gene Kelly & Mint Royale
Released: 2005
The soundtrack to this Volkswagen advert is a remixed version of Singin’ in the Rain performed by Gene Kelly and reimagined by Mint Royale, a British electronic music duo known for their distinctive dance remixes.
Mint Royale’s remix injected new life into the iconic track with upbeat electronic production and a faster tempo, giving Gene Kelly’s timeless vocals a fresh and energetic feel. Following the ad’s success, the remix gained significant popularity in the UK and helped reintroduce the song to a younger audience, blending vintage Hollywood magic with modern dance music culture.