Life, 1913-01-09 · page 5 of 100
Life — January 9, 1913 — page 5: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page is **not a cartoon or satire**—it's a straightforward automobile advertisement from *Life* magazine for the 1913 Locomotive automobile by the Locomotive Company of America. The ad features a photograph of an open-air touring car parked outside what appears to be a showroom, with well-dressed potential customers visible. The marketing copy boasts that this is "The Best Built Car in America," emphasizing superior materials (bronze transmission case, chrome parts, nickel steel), advanced features (electric lighting, disc clutch, long wheelbase), and comfort (ten-inch upholstery, smooth ride). This represents early automotive advertising targeting wealthy consumers. No political satire is present; this is product promotion typical of the magazine's commercial content.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
SIX “48" WITH EIGHTY-TWO HORSEPOWER “The Best Built Car in America” is not equaled by any other car ever built, at any cost, in— (1) Quality of Materials (2) Features of Importance Bronze Transmission Case. Bronze Motor Costliest and most efficient Electric Lighting Base. Chrome Nickel Steel Gears and Shafts System. Flush Sided Bodies, concealed hinges throughout the car. Chrome Nickel Tungsten and door handles. Running Boards clear both Steel vehicle springs. Pressed Chrome Nickel sides. Long Stroke Motor, Seven Bearing Steel Chassis Frame, heat treated. Crank Shaft, Disc Clutch, Four Speeds. (3) Ease of Riding Rear Hung Tires eliminate side sway. Locomobile’Ten-Inch Upholstery. Three-quarter scroll elliptic Rear Springs, shackled at both ends, giving full play. Perfectly balanced Chassis on Long Wheelbase. Shaft Drive System with exclusive features contributing much to the easy riding of the car. The Locomobile Company of America Branches! Motor Cars and Motor Trucks Branches New York Chicago’ Boston | General Offices and Works Baltimore Minneapolis Philadelphia Pittsbureb 5 Atlanta Los Angeles ‘Washington ‘St. Louis. Bridgeport, Conn. : San Francisco Oakland comicbooks.com