Life, 1912-08-01 · page 6 of 40
Life — August 1, 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, not political commentary. The header "Ask the man who owns one" was Packard's actual advertising slogan of the era. The content advertises the 1913 Packard "48" luxury automobile, highlighting its comfort features: thick upholstery, elliptic springs, and shock absorbers. It lists various models and prices (ranging from $4,650 to $6,100), emphasizes the car's 48 horsepower (actually 82 at maximum), and promotes dealer support. The illustration shows a touring car—a common open-air automobile design of the period. This is commercial advertising typical of *Life* magazine, which carried ads alongside its satirical content.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
gE Ease of riding reaches the highest degree of comfort in the Packard “48” for 1913 Extreme thickness of upholstery, fitted to a sweeping body curve at the rear, gives a delicious sense of luxury. This quality is enhanced by long three-quarter scroll elliptic springs, with the added effectiveness of shock absorbers. Coupled with its luxurious riding, are the graceful lines of exclusive style, the stamina and the constant efficiency which distinguish the Packard as the dominant Six. The horsepower of the Packard Six by the standard A. L. A. M. rating is 48. The actual maximum as shown by the brake test is 82 horsepower. The Packard “48” .Line Touring Car, seven passengers........... $4,850 Landaulet, seven passengers............. $5,950 Phaeton, five passengers 12°4:750 Imperial Limousine, seven passeng 6.0: Runabout, two passengers and rumb! .. 4,650 Brougham, five passengers. Limousine, seven passengers............. 5,850 Coupe, three passengers 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 DEMONSTRATION ON ANY KIND OF ROAD Packard Motor Car Company, Detroit, Mich. comicbooksteom