Life, 1911-04-27 · page 44 of 44
Life — April 27, 1911 — page 44: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This is primarily **automobile advertising**, not political satire. The page features a promotional article for Oldsmobile vehicles, specifically highlighting three models: the Special, Autocrat, and Limited. The accompanying image shows a well-dressed group of men in an open-air touring car beside the ocean, illustrating the leisure and comfort promised by automobile ownership. The "comfort on the highway" theme positions motoring as an aspirational lifestyle upgrade—a shift from uncomfortable railway travel to pleasurable countryside driving. The text emphasizes technical features (engine flexibility, shock absorbers, wheel size) while appealing to leisure and status. The price points ($3,000–$5,000) indicate these were luxury vehicles for the affluent. **Historical context**: This 1911 advertisement reflects the early automotive era when cars represented modern luxury and freedom, contrasting with existing rail travel. The focus on "comfort" and social distinction was typical early marketing strategy. No political figures or satirical commentary are present on this page.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
Acel 27,191 Comfort on the Highway HIS is the time of year when mileage is begin- ning to pile up When your thoughts turn from irksome business trips in parlor cars, along the grimy back ways of railroads, to the pleasures of the boulevards, the winding country roads—and the breath of the wind on your cheek. The solid comfort of your favorite fireside chair— while speeding on the open road—is yours if you own an Oldsmobile . . . Comfort is built right into the car. Here are some of the features that contribute to your enjoyment. Each is necessary and each works harmoniously with the others to produce the luxury of touring: A long-stroke, 57x 6” engine, with the utmost flexibility of control and a phenomenal range of speed on direct drive . . . “The most flexible motor for its power and the most powerful motor for its flexibility.” THE SPECIAL 4-Cylinder, $3000 OLDS MOTOR WORKS THE AUTOCRAT 4-Cylinder, $3500 Licensed under Selden Patent Vibration and noise responsive to a touch. Big wheels, with 38 inch by 4% inch tires, which smooth the rough roads and insure against tire- trouble-delays. Ample wheel-base, and a drop frame, giving low center of gravity and straight line drive to rear axle. Side-sway and skidding almost unknown. Semi-clliptic rear springs of finest quality and four Truffault-Hartford shock absorbers. Richly upholstered seats. inated. Power and speed The car shown here is the four-passenger “Autocrat” Tourabout, which has attracted so much favor attention at the shows and on the road. It ha dividual rear seats and a four door body of distin- guished design. It is low and comfortable, with plenty of leg room. With the same chassis and power as the seven-passen- ger “Autocrat,” scarcely any limit can be placed on its speed, hill-climbing ability or touring radius. THE LIMITED 6-Cylinder, $5000 LANSING, MICH. comicbooks.com