Life, 1912-11-07 · page 41 of 60
Life — November 7, 1912 — page 41: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This is **not a cartoon or satire**—it's a straightforward automobile advertisement for the Marmon car company of Indianapolis. The page appeared in *Life* magazine, which published both satirical content and paid advertisements. The advertisement uses a pastoral illustration showing a Marmon automobile passing by a tree-lined rural path, with figures observing it. The marketing pitch emphasizes that owning a Marmon reflects one's "character," "dignity," and "status in the community," appealing to early 20th-century class consciousness and social aspiration. Two Marmon models are promoted: the "32" and the "Six," with technical specifications and price ranges ($2,850–$6,350). The company claims "sixty years of successful manufacturing" to establish credibility. There is no political satire or social commentary here—it's period advertising showcasing automotive engineering and luxury aspirations typical of the era.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
ra “The Easiest OUR family automobile reflects your character, your dignity, your status in thecommunity. If youown a Marmon you have nothing to regret, no explanations to make. Moreover you are assured of the same quict smoothness of operation, the same daily reliability, the same power and capability for years tocome. The satisfaction of owning a Marmon lies not in the name alone. Behind the name is the uniform excellence of every car that leaves the Marmon plant. Detailed Information on Request NORDYKE & MARMON CO. (Established 1851) INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA Sixty Years of Successful Manufacturing Riding Car In The World” The Marmon 32" 32-40 h. p. 120-inch wheelobase, elece Aric starting and lighting, left hand drive, center control, nickel trim mings, with newest body ty pes to meet every requirement and corresponding equi pment—$2.850 t0 $4,100. The Marmon Six 48-80 h. f.. 14S-inch wheel-base, elece tric starting and lighting, Icoft hand drive, center control, nickel trim mings, with body types to mect every requirement and corres ponding equi f= ment—$$,000 to $6.350. comicbooks.com