Life — June 20, 1912 — page 6: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# Analysis This page is **not a cartoon or satire**—it's a straightforward **automobile advertisement** for the Packard Motor Car Company of Detroit, Michigan, published in *Life* magazine in 1913. The image shows a side-view illustration of the Packard "48" model, a luxury touring car. The advertisement emphasizes engineering achievements: powerful engine specifications, brake horsepower ratings, speed capabilities (60 mph in 30 seconds), and handling features. The text lists various body styles and prices (ranging from $3,200 to $6,050), targeting wealthy buyers. The closing slogan—"Ask the man who owns one"—was Packard's famous advertising tagline, implying satisfied owners would endorse the vehicle. This represents early 20th-century automobile marketing in upscale publications.