Life, 1911-12-14 · page 29 of 40
Life — December 14, 1911 — page 29: 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's advertising section. The Hupp Corporation promotes two electric coach models: the "Royal" and "Imperial" limousines, priced at $4,500 and $5,000 respectively. The ad emphasizes luxury features typical of early 1900s marketing: French design, elegant interiors, glass partitions dividing passenger sections, and customizable upholstery options (domestic or imported). The language reflects period attitudes toward automobiles as status symbols, comparing them favorably to "old-time royal equipages" to appeal to wealthy buyers. The detailed specifications (tire options, battery types) suggest this targets affluent consumers interested in premium electric vehicles—then a viable alternative to gasoline cars. There is no political satire or social commentary visible here; it's purely commercial advertising for the Hupp Corporation's Detroit-based electric automobile line.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
rriage ona kor! y of itself m ordinary 5. GY in a ciear, lave. Hts Son, ave. Daughter, all winter. chting, sa s steamers, Bermuda Hupp -Yeats Electric Coach ‘‘Royal’’ and ‘‘Imperial’’ Limousines Two new five-passenger fore-door models which in elegance, luxury and dignity are masterpieces of that craftsmanship which is really the highest form of art. The designers of old-time royal equipages never surpassed these models in beauty—never approached them in ease and comfort. All passengers face forward. The body is and the safe, strikingly beautiful low-hung divided into two sections by a glass partition construction is accentuated. which can be raised when desired and the two compartments thrown into one. The beauty of the interior is enhanced by the most ex- quisite appointments. High authorities have said that the advent of the Hupp-Yeats in- augurated a renaissance of the coach-builders’ art; and these two coaches represent its high- Both models are identical in design and truction. In the “Royal” the purchaser the option of any domestic upholstery, including leather, broadcloths or whipcords. In the ‘Imperial’ this option is extended to include any imported upholstery, as well as est development. any color on body or ch With both models the purchaser may have Motz cushion The distinctive French design, with curved tires or Goodyear 33 Xx 4 pneumatics, and roof and sloping hood, is, of course, preserved ; Ironclad or Exide Batteries. “Royal” Limousine, $4,500. “Imperial” Limousine, $5,000. DESCRIPTIVE FOLDER ON REQUEST. HUPP CORPORATION ?“iitioverwith Hupp Motor Gar Gone 110 Lycaste Street, Detroit, Mich. an Ave.; Denver. 1520 Broadway; Detroit, Woodward and n Aves.; ; New York, 1980 Broadway; Philadelphia’, 330 No. Broad St.; Adanta, $48 comicbooks.com