Life, 1913-04-24 · page 33 of 48
Life — April 24, 1913 — page 33: 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, appearing in Life magazine (page 845). The page features an illustration of an elegant early-automobile with well-dressed passengers in front of a mansion, depicting luxury motoring. Below are two product descriptions for Marmon models: the "Thirty-Two" (moderate-priced touring car) and the "Forty-Eight" (larger luxury vehicle). The ad is from Nordyke & Marmon Co., an Indianapolis manufacturer established 1851. The marketing emphasizes comfort, efficiency, durability, and economy—standard early-20th-century automobile advertising appeals. The phrase "The Easiest Riding Car in The World" is the brand's slogan. **Context for modern readers:** This represents the era when automobiles transitioned from luxury novelties to aspirational consumer goods, and when Life magazine (founded 1883) contained substantial advertising alongside its satirical editorial content.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
a Ms 08 -LIFE: The Marmon is a fitting expression of the elegant luxury of modern life combined with the high efficiency of modern industry. Nothing that makes for comfort, convenience or beauty has been overlooked ; marvelous results that make for durability, power, economy and capability have been achieved. The reputation of the car and its makers warrants the careful consideration of every buyer who demands the best. Detailed Information on Request NORDYKE & MARMON CO. (Established 1851) INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA Sixty Years of Successful Manufacturing The Marmon “ Thirty-Two” A sensible, logteal car—a car of moderate #126 and capac fry, meeting erery requirement for touring and clty we tein the economy en tire. fuct and wpkeeD #0 (mp0 tothe majortty of motorisis, Fourscylinde?, 32 hep. 120. tncn wheel base, cectrte starting and lighting system. with ody types to meet every requirement and corresponding equtpm: Fouring Car $3000.00 f.0.b. factory. The Marmon “ Forty-Eight"” Str-cylinder, 48-80 h.p., 1A5-tnch wheel base—a Large car with small car advantages. a car with short turning ‘adiity which eliminates the oid odjections to long wheel dare—a car of wonderful and surpassing riding qualities; electric starting and Uehting system, with body types 10 meet every requirement and corresponding equipment. comicbooks.com