Life, 1905-12-07 · page 45 of 60
Life — December 7, 1905 — page 45: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page contains **no cartoons or satire**—it is purely **automobile advertising**. Four manufacturers promote luxury vehicles as Christmas gifts: 1. **Packard** emphasizes perfection through organizational consistency 2. **Baker Electrics** markets electric cars as refined, quiet, odor-free vehicles ideal for town use by wealthy women 3. **Stoddard-Dayton** promotes an expensive enclosed limousine ($3,250) with luxurious amenities like electric lights and toilets 4. **Studebaker Junior** advertises a toy wagon ($10) for children, emphasizing durability and realistic design The implicit social commentary is **class-based**: these ads target wealthy Americans for whom automobiles represent status symbols and leisure. Electric cars are specifically pitched as appropriate for refined, genteel users. The Studebaker ad suggests even children of the wealthy should own miniature versions of adult vehicles. There is no satirical critique visible—this reflects genuine early-automotive-era marketing aimed at the affluent.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
Nothing but the everlasting hammering year after year of an enormous organization upon one design of car has made possible the present perfection of the Packard. Packard Motor Car Co., Dept. G Detroit. Mich. Member Arociation Licrnwed Automobile Manufacturers New York Pranch 140 Broadway Baker Electrics as Christmas gifts cannot fail to please. They are dainty, ele- gant and refined, superb in finish, per- fect in construction, beautiful in every line—the true ARISTOCRATS OF MOTORDOM BAKER ELECTRICS are simple in operation, absolutely noiseless and ready for use at any time, regardless of weather conditions. These qualities, with their freedom from grease and odor, make them ideal vehicles for town use. Imperials, Stanhopes, Surreys, Depot Wagons, Broughams Write for Catalog The Baker Motor Vehicle Co. 10 Jessie St. Cleveland, Ohlo Again— “As good as it looks.” THE LIMOUSINE OF LUXURY Stoddard=Dayton Here is a car that offers all the richness—all the convenience— all the little niceties that appeal to those who desire palatial elegance in an enclosed motor car: a drawing room awheel. Finished in every way equal to the highest grade brougham, upholstered in choicest hand-buffed leather; lined with broad- cloth. Equipped with electric lights, toilet cases, card cases, speaking tube, etc.; beveled plate glass. The STODDARD-DAYTON Limousine Car has a special type of 444 x S in. four-cylinder motor; water-cooled; frame of hot-roiled, high carbon, pressed steel ; sliding gear transmission; three speeds and reverse—selective type, speeds can be changed instantly without clashing or friction; practically noiseless; entire transmission on roller bearings; mechanical lubrication ; 30-35 horse power. Price, $3250, the peer in beauty, speed and elegance of the highest priced cars. In request, we will send you Catalog B fully describing STODDARD.-DAYTON cars for 1906. A Christmas Morning Surprise Can anything so delight the hearts of boys and girls as a Stude- baker “Junior” wagon? Why not let this splendid child’s gift make a memorable Christmas in yourhome? It will be memorable for you as well as for the youngsters, for your heart will thrill as you hear the joyous exclamations when the wagon is discovered Christmas morning. The Studebaker * Junior" is not a toy—it is strong and durable —the finest miniature wagon in the market. It is built after the style of the regular Studebaker—oak frame, farm-wagon gearing with bent hounds and adjustable reach, all parts strongly ironed and braced, welded tires, staggered spokes, hub boxes and caps, oak shafts (or pole if desired), handsomely painted throughout, Call on your Studebaker agent or order direct. PRICE $10.00 Write for our beautiful new Studebaker “Junior” wagoa booklet Studebaker Bros. Mfg. Co., South Bend, Ind. The Dayton Motor Car Co, Dayton, Obio P,S.—Any first-class Toy Dealer will order one for you if you so desire. comicbooks.com