Life — March 9, 1911 — page 44: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This is an advertisement for Baker Electric automobiles, not political satire. The image shows a luxurious early automobile with elegantly dressed passengers in furs and formal attire, with a uniformed chauffeur. The car appears to be arriving at or departing from a formal social event. The ad's text claims over 130 Baker Electrics are used by Washington society, preferred by "high officials of the Government and by foreigners of rank" for their "silent operation, structural beauty and extraordinary mileage." This reflects early-1900s marketing positioning electric vehicles as sophisticated, quiet luxury cars suited to the wealthy and elite—before gasoline engines became dominant. The company was based in Cleveland, Ohio.