Life, 1911-04-13 · page 3 of 44
Life — April 13, 1911 — page 3: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
# Analysis This is **not a cartoon or satirical content**—it's a straightforward automobile advertisement for Franklin cars, appearing in *Life* magazine. The page features three Franklin automobile models displayed at the top. The text promotes Franklin's signature feature: air-cooled engines rather than the water-cooling systems standard in competing vehicles. The advertisement emphasizes practical advantages: lighter weight, simplified mechanics, better tire longevity, and improved handling. Four specific models are listed with prices ranging from $1,950 to $4,500, positioning Franklin across different market segments from economy to luxury touring cars. The footer directs readers to request a detailed booklet about Franklin's air-cooling technology. This represents early automotive marketing emphasizing engineering innovation as a sales tool.