Life, 1910-12-01 · page 88 of 108
Life — December 1, 1910 — page 88: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This is **not a cartoon or satire**—it's a straightforward automobile advertisement from *Life* magazine's early 1900s era. The page advertises the Maxwell Model GA Roadster, a 4-cylinder car priced at $1,600. The illustrated image shows two men in period dress (caps, suits) operating the vehicle, which was a common way to depict automobiles as modern, accessible technology for businessmen. The ad's pitch emphasizes practicality over luxury: the Maxwell is described as a "utility car" suitable for both business and pleasure, reliable enough to "bring you back," and comfortable for touring. The repetitive "¶" symbols (paragraph marks) structure the benefits claims. A small chart titled "SALE OF MAXWELLS TO DATE" with "WATCH THE FIGURES GROW" tracks sales growth, a marketing tactic suggesting the car's rising popularity and success. The manufacturer was Maxwell-Briscoe Motor Co., located in Tarrytown, New York. This represents early American automobile marketing aimed at middle-class buyers.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
‘LIFE: & wi. ANNOUNCE this newest Maxwell—a product thoroughly We worthy of the Maxwell name—a car that has stood the “acid ns test” of Maxwell quality. @It is a practical car—a utility car— much more than a pleasure car. You can use it profitably in your YON business: it is a time-saver. You can draw on it for pleasure: it will always meet the draft. @ It is a dependable car: it will take you to a place; it will bring you back. ‘That is what you want your car to do. @It isa comfortable car: roomy and rest-inviting: ideal for touring. THIS newest Maxwell, therefore, has all the essen/ia/s to commend it. @, Of course it has all the points of mechanical superiority well-known in previous Maxwell models. G, It also has some decidedly new features: advantages, you will say, when you see them. Advantages, we have proved them unmistakably, by the most rigid standard of tests. @, You ought to see this newest Maxwell. @, You ought to own one. Mf you would know more in detail about Maxwell advantages, just say to us ona postal, Mail Rooks.” SALE OF MAXWELLS TO DATE MAXWELL-BRISCOE MAXWELL FACTORIES : MOTOR CO. *4tifrovith ma, RY WATCH THE FIGURES | ‘GROW under Seiden Patent Member Ack. AM.