Life, 1911-11-23 · page 27 of 44
Life — November 23, 1911 — page 27: 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. The page promotes the Stoddard-Dayton "Jaybrook," a touring roadster manufactured by the Dayton Motor Car Company (a division of United States Motor Company), based in New York. The ad emphasizes practical features for early 1910s buyers: dust-proof baggage compartments, roominess, long leg room, and detailed mechanical specifications (valve-in-head motor, four cylinders, etc.). The pricing ($2,700 base model) and mention of alternative chassis options ("Silent Knight," "Savoy") indicate this targeted affluent consumers. The scenic illustration at top shows the car in an idealized landscape setting—a common advertising technique to suggest leisure and freedom. There is no political or social satire present; this is period product marketing.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
foddardDayto Jeybrook HE first Touring Roadster that ever approached the ideal. Not only approached it, but met it. No finer car for two people was ever designed. A baggage compartment, large enough to hold two big suit-cases, is gotten into only by pulling forward the back of the seats—making it dust and water-proof. Body is extra roomy, allowing for working both levers inside. Long leg room. Seat is so placed that greatest possible ease in riding is assured. Run- ning-boards are clear and free from all annoying obstructions. Gasolene tank at rear holds 33 gallons. Wheelbase 12224 inches. Tires 36x424. Valve-in-head motor, four-cylinders, 494 x5. Double ignition system, including magneto and battery with separate sets of spark plugs. Quick-detachable, demountable rims, including one extra. Mohair top and top boot. Tire irons; Hartford shock absorbers; windshield; gas tank with five lamps; oil-electric side and tail lamps; tools, etc., all included (f.0.b. Dayton), $2700. This same style body is also mounted on “Silent Knight’ chassis, $4900; and “Savoy”? chassis, $1350. Catalog of all models on request. Dayton Motor Car Company "” Nain" New York Division of UNITED STATES MOTOR COMPANY cd comicbooks.com