Life, 1912-09-26 · page 8 of 48
Life — September 26, 1912 — page 8: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This is a **Packard automobile advertisement**, not political satire. The page promotes the new "38" six-cylinder Packard model to wealthy consumers who appreciate luxury and refinement. The ad emphasizes "Pullman Comfort On the Open Road"—comparing the car's amenities to railroad Pullman sleeping cars, a symbol of upper-class travel. Key selling points include a left-drive design, electric self-starter, and controls on the steering column—features that were relatively novel for the era. The text notes strong advance sales demand, suggesting the vehicle appeals to those seeking "the finer things of life." This is straightforward commercial advertising targeting affluent buyers, not editorial commentary or satire. The Packard Motor Car Company was a prestigious American luxury auto manufacturer based in Detroit.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
Pullman Comfort On the Open Road The Packard has a distinct appeal to those who choose the finer things of life—at home or en tour—those who appreciate the greater luxury, elegance, safety and service embodied in a vehicle of the highest type. The new ‘‘38”’ six-cylinder Packard, while smaller in size and hence rated at lower horsepower, is big with the characteristics that sustain the prestige of the Packard ‘‘48’’— fast getaway, hill- relimbing ability and constant efficiency. The new model has distinguishing features of its own. It has the con- venient left drive and control; electric self-starter; starting, ignition, lighting and carburetor controls on steering column. A heavy advance sale already has been booked for the ‘‘38.’’ Immediate action is the best insurance of an early delivery > TT HH sesassesaseesessteestetsestocmesesccseasssettstesseesescesuoscasesecscstegesetessiessutttosestessssssesscocssassssstettesececeessettsecseseasets