Life, 1911-11-30 · page 40 of 40
Life — November 30, 1911 — page 40: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This is a Baker Electrics automobile advertisement, not political satire. The page shows a shaft-driven electric coupe protecting a woman from stormy weather and traffic dangers. The ad emphasizes the vehicle's practical advantages: light weight (2450 lbs), responsive handling, and durability. The imagery appeals to early 1900s consumers by depicting the car as a reliable protector—a significant selling point when automobiles were still novel and travel conditions unpredictable. The Baker Motor-Vehicle Company, based in Cleveland, Ohio, marketed electric cars as safe, manageable alternatives to gasoline vehicles, particularly appealing to women drivers who found them easier to operate than manual-crank gas engines.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
In storm or traffic the Baker gives unfailing protection. It is so easily handled because of its light weight, responsive chassis. Coupe weighs but 2450 Ibs. No heavier car is so enduring. | 33 West 80th Street, comicbookSeom