Life, 1905-12-07 · page 41 of 60
Life — December 7, 1905 — page 41: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This is **not a cartoon or satire**, but rather a full-page **automobile advertisement** for the Rambler car company (Thomas B. Jeffery & Co.). The ad announces the 1906 model lineup, emphasizing reliability and incremental improvements rather than radical redesign. It describes four new models—Types Fourteen through Sixteen plus a runabout—with technical specifications (horsepower, transmission type, wheel base) and prices ranging from $800 to $3,500. The rhetorical strategy appeals to conservative buyers: existing models are "beyond any question of retirement," suggesting proven dependability. The company positions itself as nationally established, listing branches in major cities from Boston to San Francisco. For modern readers: this represents early automotive marketing, when cars were luxury goods requiring detailed technical explanation and personal inspection at dealerships.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
ecu rama ding on a niper had ding Ina Rane’ Cars of steady service for 1906 [* SELECTING our line for the coming season it was early decided that Surreys, Types One and Two, were beyond any question of retirement and that but few improvements were possible. Therefore, these models with some slight alterations will be continued. To these are added Type Three, which is practically an elaboration of Type One, the power plant and chassis remaining the same, except somewhat lengthened to accommodate a larger and longer body. These models are equipped with the tried and proven Rambler power plant, comprising our double opposed motor and planetary pattern transmitting gear, and are too well known to the trade and public to require extended description at this time. Prices: Type One $1,200, Type Two $1,650, Type Three $1,350, all with full equipment of lamps, horns, tools, etc. “The Latest of the Ramblers,” the strictly 1906 product, comprises four models. Model Fourteen is a modern medium weight touring car equipped with a four-cylinder vertical motor 20-25 horse power, with sliding type transmitting gear, giving three forward speeds and reverse. Final drive is by propeller shaft and bevel gear to the differential on the rear axle. A notable feature is the method of connecting and bracing this shaft in which the universal joint is at the forward end and is entirely enclosed, running in an oil bath. The external design is along most modern lines with a wheel base of 106 inches. The selling price of this model is $1,750 with com- plete equipment. Model Fifteen is a heavier car with similar but more powerful equipment, the motor being 35-40 horse power and the final drive by individual chain to each rear wheel. The body is practically the same as in Type Fourteen but longer and larger, the wheel base being 112 inches. Model Sixteen is a most luxuriously appointed Lim- ousine on the Model Fifteen chassis, selling at $3,500. The Rambler runabout for 1906 is a fitting heir to the reputation gained by the earlier Ramblers of this type. It is equipped with a double opposed motor of 10-12 horse power, placed longitudinally in the frame and driving through the Rambler planetary gear. As a Runabout with 3 inch tires it will sell at $800 and with detachable tonneau and 3} inch tires at $950. Catalogue and full descriptive matter will be mailed upon request, but a careful personal examination of these cars at our various branches and agencies, will convince you that whatever may be your requirement, in service or price, the Rambler is the car you need. Thos. B. Jeffery & Co. Main Office and Factory. Kenosha, Wis., U. S. A. Branches: Boston, 145 Columbus Ave. Milwaukee, 457-459 Broadway. New York Agency, 134 W. 38th Street. Chicago, 302-304 Wabash Ave. Philadelphia, 242 N. Broad Street. San Francisco, 10th and Market Streets. Representatives in all leading cities. comicbooks.com