Life — August 29, 1912 — page 8: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# Analysis This is **not a cartoon or satire page** — it's a **straightforward automobile advertisement** from Life magazine's advertising section. The page promotes the Packard Motor Car Company's new "38" model, a six-cylinder luxury automobile made in Detroit, Michigan. The ad emphasizes modern features: electric self-starter, electric lighting, left-hand drive, and steering-column controls. The text lists various body styles (Touring Car, Phaeton, Runabout, Limousine, etc.) with prices ranging from $4150 to $5400 — substantial sums for the era, indicating this was a premium vehicle. There is **no political commentary, satire, or social critique** present. This is purely product marketing aimed at affluent buyers seeking a quality automobile.