Life, 1911-07-13 · page 33 of 44
Life — July 13, 1911 — page 33: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page is primarily an **automobile advertisement**, not satire or political content. It appears in *Life* magazine's advertising section (page 77). The Speedwell Motor Car Company challenges potential buyers to compare their 1912 Model 12D Special ($2,750) against any higher-priced competitor. The ad uses a rhetorical strategy: it argues that the Speedwell is so luxurious and well-appointed that buyers seeking "greater luxury" will struggle to justify paying *more* for rival vehicles. The photograph shows the touring car parked before an elegant mansion, emphasizing its sophistication and suitability for wealthy owners. The ad's underlying claim: superior build quality and features make the Speedwell exceptional *value*—a common early automotive marketing tactic positioning mid-range cars as smart alternatives to costlier brands. There is no identifiable satire, caricature, or political reference on this page.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
Speedwell Model 12 D Special—5 passenger touring car—# cylinder, 50 H.P. motor—12I inch wheel base—$2750. | What Higher Priced Car Can Withstand Comparison With This 1912 Speedwell ? We ask you the question bluntly, because we want you to ask All over the country the Speedwell is leading experienced mo- it bluntly of yourself. torists through the same mental proc to the same Our case is established if we can induce you to make the com- sharp comparison; with the same fortunate result for the | parison sharp, direct, and immediate. Speedwell. The 1912 Speedwell is so satisfying in its ance, this 1912 Speedwell is like appointments, so beautiful in its pro- y other Speedwell that has pre- portions, so velvet-smooth it mo- toring qualities, that you will find yourself estopped in your search for greater luxury. | And that is precisely the stage to which we Top and windshield extra. | | ceded it. But its beauties and its virtues have been so emphasized and refined that you can no longer blind yourself to the necessity of considering it side by side are eager to bring your mind—to the with the costliest cars. inevitable point when you will try to find justification for Will you follow your own impulse and our earnest request and a price higher than the Speedwell price. contrast the Speedwell with the higher priced cer you may be driving now; or the higher priced car the market offers? The Speedwell Motor Car Company, 390 Essex Ave., Dayton, O. comicbooks.com