Judge — March 29, 1919 — page 32: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This is an advertisement disguised as a comic dialogue. Two men discuss one man's attire—white flannel clothing—for motoring (driving a car). The first man expresses concern that white flannels are impractical for driving, presumably because they'll get soiled or damaged. The second man reassures him there's "no danger," attributing this confidence to Kelly-Springfield Cord Tires. The joke's premise is that these superior tires are so reliable they won't blow out or cause accidents that would ruin his clothes. It's a humorous pitch suggesting the tire brand is dependable enough to keep one's outfit pristine while motoring—an absurd but effective advertising appeal to early automobile owners concerned about the messiness and unpredictability of early car travel.