Life, 1912-10-17 · page 31 of 44
Life — October 17, 1912 — page 31: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This is **not a cartoon or satire**—it's a straightforward automobile advertisement from Life magazine's advertising pages. The page promotes Hudson Motor Car Company's luxury vehicles, the "37" and "54" models. The ad emphasizes that Hudson cars offer high-end quality and comfort without excessive cost. It highlights that 48 leading engineers designed the cars (headed by Howard E. Coffin, a real automobile designer), drawing expertise from 97 European and American factories and 200,000+ previously built vehicles. The key sales pitch: Hudson achieves luxury through mass production efficiency rather than exclusivity. The ad contrasts this with expensive cars that cost more simply for prestige, claiming Hudson provides equivalent craftsmanship and appointments at lower prices. Features mentioned include electric self-cranking, electric lighting, and fine upholstery. Prices ranged from $2,350 to $3,750 depending on model. The "triangle on the radiator" was Hudson's trademark symbol.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
Luxury, Beauty, Comfort and Quality without Extravagance Hudson Closed Cars Finest Limousine and Coupe Bodies on Chassis Designed by 48 Master Builders A Four—the “ 37,” If you seek beauty, comfort, quality, richness and ap- pointment, and do not especially care for exclusivene which is obtained only by paying a high price, these cars will appeal to you. The bodies were designed by men who have done similar work for the builders of the most expensive cars. No expense has been spared in material or workmanship. By larger production than is possible with cars of much higher price, we are able to include all in appointment, in fi completeness and other essentials that is to be had in any closed body automobile. Designed by 48 Leading Engineers HUDSON cars are designed and built by 48 expert engineers, at the head of which body is Howard E, Coffin, America’s leading automobile designer. and the “54” —a Six These men were gathered from 97 leading factories of Europe and America and have had a hand in building more than 200,000 motor cars. They have contributed all their experience and skill to the production of the HUDSON “37" and the “54"" HUD- SON. These cars are the best they know. Just as much skill and experience is incorporated into the building of the bodies. The imagination of the most fastidious buyer can suggest nothing in appointment, tone, character or completeness that these cars do not possess. ery thought has been anticipated. In choosing a HUDSON the only detail that you do not get which is found in other cars, is that uncer- tain quality which cost alone suggests but does not assure. Electric Self-Cranking—Electrically Lighted The Limousine and Coupe bodies used are identical for both chassis. The former seats seven—the latter three passengers. es are finished in imported Bedford cord, over- stuffed upholstering. The Coupe is upholstered in pebble grain leather. The Limousine on the ‘‘37'" chassis is $3250, and on the ‘‘54""—the Six—chassis—is $3750. The Coupe on the ‘37” is $2350, and on the ‘54°' $2950. Prices are f. 0. b. Detroit. Open A A Te eC A Se CORRES AE bodies—either Touring, Torpedo or Roadster Type—are furnished at extra charge. HUDSON MOTOR CAR COMPANY 7531 Jefferson Ave., Detroit See the Triangle on the Radiator comicbooks.com