Life — September 12, 1912 — page 8: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# Analysis This is a **Packard automobile advertisement**, not a political cartoon. The page appears in *Life* magazine and promotes the new Packard "38" luxury car model. The ad addresses potential customers who missed out on the previous "48" model, which sold out quickly. It emphasizes that 7,000 workers are now dedicated to building the smaller six-cylinder Packard "38," positioning it as an accessible alternative to the larger model while maintaining Packard's quality reputation. The text highlights modern features: left-hand drive, electric starter, and steering-column controls—innovations that would appeal to 1920s-era buyers. Various body styles are listed with prices ranging from $4,050 to $5,400. This is straightforward marketing for a premium American automobile brand.