Life, 1910-12-01 · page 11 of 108
Life — December 1, 1910 — page 11: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This is **not a political cartoon or satire**—it's a straightforward advertisement for White automobiles from 1911, appearing in *Life* magazine. The page promotes White's gasoline cars by emphasizing quality uniformity across models. The top illustration shows an early 1900s automobile and mansion. The ad claims price differences reflect only size, not material or craftsmanship, and that White maintains high standards without rushing production. Technical specifications are provided (four-cylinder French-imported engines, selective transmission with four speeds, pricing from $2,000-$3,600), along with the company address in Cleveland, Ohio. A side-view illustration of the 1911 White gasoline car appears at bottom. This represents early automotive advertising's appeal to quality-conscious, affluent buyers during the industry's formative decade.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
, pure ; here tive— it not t, but contain im isa The White Idea is “ One Quality” the size of the cars, not to material or workmanship. We shall build r I \HE difference in price between the several White models is due solely to every car regardless of cost, to meet our idea of perfection. White Cars are not built in a hurry. We never pay men by the piece. We do not desire, so we do not induce, speed in the making of any part. We have no stated daily output. We make both steam and gasoline cars and we make them the very best we know how. White prices are low because of our experience, large output and purchasing power. Here Are a Few Features of the Gasoline Car The four cylinders, cast en bloc, are imported from France. The motor has a 33-in. bore, with 54-in. stroke. 20-30 horse power. The crank shaft is ball bearing. Ignition is by Bosch magneto. The two models are identical except in wheel base and size of body. The wheel base of model “G That of model ‘“‘G-B” is 120 inches. Selective transmission—four speeds and reverse " is 110 inches. with direct drive on third. Four speeds mean 25% greater motor efficiency. The price of model ‘“‘G-A” is $2,000 with full touring equipment except top. Torpedo body $250 extra. Model “‘G-B” sells for $2,500, with same equip- ment as model “‘G-A"’ plus foot rail and tire holders. Limousine $3,600. Landaulet, $3,800. The catalog, mailed gladly on request, describes both these cars in detail. The White Company; 852 East 79th St., Cleveland, Ohio The White Gasoline Car COO