Life, 1912-06-20 · page 6 of 44
Life — June 20, 1912 — page 6: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
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.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
In the Packard “48” for 1913, the dominance of the Packard Six is strengthened by logical improve- ments based on 14 years of engineering success H| H 5 3 a A | H 8 all 8 fy H 2] Ay Hl) H Fd H HY) HI H 5 A a H fc ly H 5 H A] ld i Horsepower by the standard A.L. A.M. rating, based on a piston speed of 1000 feet per minute. Actual brake horsepower at the same piston speed. .62 Maximum brake horsepower, obtained at a piston speed of 1576 feet per minute 82 Fastest getaway—60 miles an hour in 30 seconds from a standing start. Smoothest running motor and easiest riding car even at speeds from 60 to 70 miles an hour. Easiest to drive—With a wheel base of 139 inches, will turn around in a street 46 feet wide. Safest for fast driving— Positive steering; positive brakes. Best hill climber at all speeds and regardless of road conditions, Best cash asset—Packard cars have the highest second- hand value. The Packard “48” Line Touring Car, seven passengers. Phaeton, five passengers... . Runabout, two passengers a Limousine, seven passengers. Landaulet, seven passengers Imperial Limousine, seven passengers . Brougham, five Passengers... Coupe, three passengers. . Standard equipme: includes top and windshield Packard “30”, $4,200 Packard “18”, $3,200 Shipments have begun but, inasmuch as options already have been closed for several hundred of these cars and each Packard dealer has only a definite allotment to sell, an early order is necessary to secure a desirable date of delivery. Packard dealers throughout the country cooperate with the Packard Motor Car Company in providing the most willing, the most expert and the most comprehensive service in the world. BMT MAAN TSN TNT a nT Wi Tn “whe ALANA Oemonstration on any kind of road by any Packard dealer. The Packard °°48” Is fully described in the Packard Year Book, which may be obtained by request Packard Motor Car Company, Detroit, Michigan il | | cal " Libation a comicbooks.com