Life — May 8, 1913 — page 5: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# Analysis This is **not a political cartoon or satire** — it's a straightforward automobile advertisement from *Life* magazine (page 913). The page advertises the Peerless automobile, specifically their "48-Six" seven-passenger touring car priced at $5000. The ad emphasizes the vehicle's elegant design, highlighting "long, straight lines and beautiful areas" and praising the craftsmanship of wood and steel components. The copy describes Peerless's mechanical superiority: six-cylinder engines, electric starting and lighting, smooth operation, and steering flexibility. Multiple chassis options ("38-Six," "48-Six," "60-Six") are offered at varying prices ($3500-$7200). The Peerless Motor Car Company was based in Cleveland and also manufactured trucks. This represents early-twentieth-century automotive marketing targeting affluent buyers.