Life, 1912-04-11 · page 37 of 46
Life — April 11, 1912 — page 37: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page is a straightforward **automobile advertisement** for Speedwell Motor Cars, not a political cartoon or satirical content. The "Speedwell" branding and decorative header occupy the upper portion, followed by testimonial quotes from car owners claiming exceptional durability (30,000 to 61,000 miles with minimal wear). These customer endorsements highlight reliability—engine bearings "unmarked by use," minimal maintenance costs beyond tires and oil. The lower half displays a side-view illustration of the Speedwell Tourist Four Passenger vehicle, priced at $2,700 fully equipped with self-starter. The appeal is straightforward marketing: durability, value, and years of service. This represents typical early automotive advertising strategy—leveraging owner testimonials to build consumer confidence in a product category still proving itself to the American public. There is no satirical commentary, political reference, or caricature 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.
{Q) cam EIS Figures that point significantly to the h) remarkable quality in Speedwell Cars The following records of Speedwell Cars in service—covering the mileage stated—were picked at random from testimonial letters received. 30,000 Miles “Nothing of importance has ever broken. Sta a _ Saiomeat Paint and a new top will make a new ma- — § SU anil book. chine of it." . Glass front, From Kansas City Speedwell Owner, Demountable rims. 13,000 Miles “Engine bearings and gears absolutely un- Gas tank ue full lamp marked by use. From Seattle Speedwell Owner, 23,000 Miles “Practically no, expense except ‘for tires, gas- oline and oil, ‘Scylinder, 50 HP. From a Tacoma Speedwell Owner, 123 inch wheelbase. 36inch wheels, 61,000 Miles “This is my fourth year—and with a very “Equipment as given applies small outlay I expect to have it as good as to all models except readsters and. limousine, which | var new." slightly in thelr standard From a Glen Cove (N. Y.) Speedwell Owner. equipment, Stop and consider these figures before you buy a car. And think, too, what you get in a Speedwell—a magnificent big car, comfortable, fine appearing, with almost unlimited power. A car that is ready to stand years of service—the greatest value in the motoring world today. LITERATURE UPON REQUEST THE SPEEDWELL MOTOR CAR COMPANY, 390 Essex Avenue, DAYTON, OHIO Speedwell Tourist Four Passen; or» $2 $2700 Fully hesiaaeed including comicbooks.com