Life, 1912-10-31 · page 42 of 44
Life — October 31, 1912 — page 42: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page is **not a political cartoon or satirical content**—it's a straightforward automobile advertisement from *Life* magazine (likely early 1910s). The ad promotes the Franklin "Little Six" "Thirty," a six-cylinder car priced at $2,800. The image shows the vehicle in profile against a bare-tree landscape. The text emphasizes the car's efficiency: superior fuel economy (20-35% better mileage), low oil consumption, tire durability, and comfort for long-distance driving without fatigue. The ad targets affluent buyers who want quality without excessive bulk or cost. Franklin Motor Company (Syracuse, New York) offers multiple models across price points ($1,650–$4,750) and promises longevity, with many vehicles serving owners 4-10 years. This represents early automotive marketing emphasizing engineering innovation and practical efficiency—standard commercial messaging for the era.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
Franklin “Little Six” “Thirty” A light weight unusually efficient car with abundant power. With all the advantages of six cylinder construction —flexibility, smoothness, silence. Operated at small cost. Built for those who want the best, but do not want a big heavy machine. Two types, five passenger Touring and two-passenger Victoria-Phaeton. Price $2,800. THE COMPLETE FRANKLIN LINE G Runabout, 4 cylinder, 18 h. p.. 2 passenger. $1,650 G Touring. 4 cylinder. 25 h. p.. 5 passenger, $2,000 D Torpedo, 6 cylinder, 38 h. p.. 4 passenger, $3,500 DTcuring. 6 cylinder, 38 h. p.. 5 passenger, $3,500 H Touring, 6 cylinder, 38 h. p.. 7 passenger. $3,750 H Limousine. 6 cylinder, 38 h. p.. $4750 Those accustomed to the luxuries of life, will be particularly interested in knowing why Franklin Motor Cars (1) use less gasoline, aver- aging 20% to 35% more mileage per gallon; (2) use less oil, averaging 400 miles and more per gallon without smoke; (3) use fewer tires, averaging 8,000 to 10,000 miles per set, the 1911 record; (4) travel faster on the road in the long run, owners thinking little of making 200, 250 or 300 miles per day without fatigue; (5) ride easier, bowling along so smoothly, silently and comfortably, without jolt or jar, that driver and occupants do not realize the speed they are making; and, (6) wear longer than other cars, many Franklin Cars giving satisfactory service to the same owners 4, 5, 6, 8 and 10 years. We have recently issued a very interesting booklet (though in home-spun dress) entitled, “AN ANALYSIS OF FRANKLIN MOTOR CAR CONSTRUCTION,” which makes it so clear that anyone can understand how the distinctive Franklin principles of constructions are directly responsible for the above mentioned six lines of unusual efficiency. When you have read even a few pages of this booklet, you will realize why we have so consistently stuck to the distinctive Franklin principles of construction. We will be glad to mail a copy of this “Analysis” booklet and our catalogue to anyone seriously thinking of buying a car of the Franklin Quality. Kindly address Dept. F. FRANKLIN AUTOMOBILE COMPANY Syracuse, New York comicbooks.com