Life, 1908-11-19 · page 6 of 28
Life — November 19, 1908 — page 6: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This is **not a political cartoon or satire** — it's a straightforward **automobile advertisement** for the American Motor Car Company of Indianapolis. The page showcases six vehicle models (Traveler, Wayfarer, Speedster, Roadster, Limousine, and Tourist) with prices ranging from $2,750 to $5,000. The text uses marketing language emphasizing the American car's superior engineering, particularly its "perfect flood of instantaneously electrical power" and distinctive undersung frame design. The central message compares driving an American car favorably to other vehicles, claiming unmatched power and control. This is period automotive advertising, not social or political commentary. The decorative border and multiple vehicle illustrations were typical design conventions of early 1900s trade publications.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
Teese: _ ADistinct and Distinguished Gar SPECIFICATIONS MOTOR. -Feee Cylinders cast in pain. 534 x 5%. HP. Water cooled ; centnlugal ‘arculating Sifion Bosch high tension magneto; auxibary CARBURETOR—Float fed, auaibay air epely LUBRICATION Frei ged Weber oe iaders end mechanian erank case, “Tranemission and ferential ry rain ol out CLUTCH “Lather-faced, fas ‘cone of un- ually large ameter. baer a halt to diferent) and flating lve REEL Ste doa 3654 fo, 36 5 TRAVELER. y - ter chassis, 36° 34 front : 40 IN. WHEELS f WHEELIASE Tea est 24 fiche Reg $4000 0 inches. fiiPwent toe hs, wo THE AMERICAN aRERE You have never ridden in a ar —we are weighing our words—which got under way with the lightning- like swiftness of the American, You have never ridden in a car—no matter what its rating—which gave you the same sensation of having undercomplete controla tremendous piece of living mechanism. Serrosten While other cars are passing thru the preparatory period—trembling and grinding and getting ready to get under power 45000 —the American is off and away with the speed of the wind, ‘This is primarily due to the fact that the dominant note in the construction of the American is a perfect flood_of instantaneously obedient_power in comparison with which the average car is feeble and impotent. It is due in an almost equal degree to the absolutely straight line drive which is only one result of the unique underslung frame. Just as it is impossible to describe in words the effects upon you of an exquisite painting, a piece of music, or some splendid en- gineering achievement—soit is impossible for us to tell you precisely the difference in sensation which you will experience in driv- ing the American. But it is there—distinct and unmistakeable—the moment that magnificent rush of power is set free. Understand us distinctly—we are urging comparison with cars of the greatest eminence—that our first message is to thos: who own auch cars, of to those who will have no car which does not excel in whatsoever company it finds itself. The American, in the aristocracy of motordom, will demonstrate its mastery beyond doubt or cuibble. With so strong a statement confronting you, are you not anxious for a demonstration ? Write for the 1909 literature which describes, among other things, the superb Traveler with its 40-inch wheels, the Speedster, the Roadster, the Gadabout, the Wayfarer, the Touring Car, the underslung frame andascore of distinctivedetails LIMOUSINE $3000 THE AMERICAN MOTOR < CAR CC COMPANY Department F se eke tg Maman LEM ap Vo soe