Life, 1913-06-26 · page 3 of 45
Life — June 26, 1913 — page 3: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page is **not a cartoon or satirical piece** — it's a straightforward advertisement for the 1914 Locomobile automobile, published in Life magazine. The image shows two early automobiles parked in front of a substantial house, depicting the cars as reliable, elegant vehicles suited to affluent owners. The advertisement emphasizes new features like "Left Drive Models and Right Drive Models," electric starters, improved safety mechanisms, and comfort innovations. The text highlights engineering advances: air control under the steering wheel, electric lighting, and a new carburetor system. This represents genuine automotive development from the pre-WWI era, when such features were genuinely novel selling points. There is no satire or political commentary present — it's period advertising meant to appeal to wealthy potential buyers.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
Announcing the Locomobile for 1 1914 Left Drive Models and Right Drive Models, with Right Hand Gear Lever | ec sa as the easiest riding and best built car, with the highest distinction in appearance and finish, the Locomobile for 1914 is presented in both right drive models and left drive models. All cars have the gear lever operated by the right hand, the safest and most natural arrangement. Special folder now ready giving additional information about Locomobile cars for 1914, with complete specifications of all models. Comfort and Beauty Locomobile Ten Inch Upholstery combined with many other features of construction, found only in the Locomobile chassis, make it the easiest riding car. Test it against any other car on the same roads on the same day. It is the firmest car, affording a feeling of complete security. It is a car that enables people of delicate health to motor without fatigue. Seat cushions extend the full depth of the seat, being carried under the upholstery on back of seat instead of meeting it on a line. The cushions do not push forward, but maintain their full depth and give luzurious riding qualities at all times. The new top for open cars is practically wrinkle-proof, has low lines, and extends down over the windshield in front. A ‘soft silver-toned nickel finish on metal parts requires minimum polishing to keep car looking smart and well groomed. A\ll parts subjected to unusual wear made of solid nickel metal. New lamps, designed specially for the Locomobile, to harmonize with the general decorative scheme. New rounded fenders withou: visible rivets emphasize the smooth ly lines, unbroken by externaf hinges or door handles, Clear run- ning boards unencumbered by boxes or tires. THE NEW SIX CYLINDER STYLES “38” Right Drive Models and Left Drive Models “48” Left Drive Models and Right Drive Models Further printed matter showing cars in colors and giving more complete details mailed on request. Open and closed cars of both conservative and modish patterns afford a wide range for selection. The “48” Six Passenger FRorpedo is an ‘A special Opera Berline, much admired at recent andard closed model for 1914, as well as new Limousines and Landaulets with sloping, unbroken roof-li have open exceptionally high number of highly specialized Gentlemen's Roadsters will be produced. Progress in Efficiency Locomobile engineers have created and developed a new carbureter and a new carbureter control, which will be used on all 1914 cars, Greater mileage per gallon of fuel is obtained, together with greater power and practical advantages in connection with the control and perform. ance of the motor. The new air control under the steering wheel enables the driver to modify the mixture instantly without moving his position, thus keeping the engine always running its smoothest and giving the most power when needed, and high efficiency at alltimes. Other new mechanical features. Completeness and Quality of Equipment Electric Lighting—Exceptionally bright lights that you can always de- end on. An Electric Motor Starter of demonstrated unfailing relia- ility with features of installation quite special to the Locomobile. New wrinkle-proof top giving support atsix points. New Speedometer, new electric horn, Locomobile air compressor for inflating tires, rain vision windshield, robe rail, foot rest, quick detachable tires and de- mountable rims. New tire bracketsat rear with metal strapsand locking device, preventing theft of tires. License number plate carried on strap that locks tires. Compartment for cape top curtains accessible without disturbing occupants, and affording room for storing umbrellas, canes, parasols, Starting crank removed from front of car. The Locomobile Company of America, Bridgeport, Conn. MOTOR CARS AND MOTOR TRUCKS Philadelphia New York Louis Pitteburgh BRANCHES: $< sate San Francisco Boston Oakland Minnespolis Baltimore Washington Los Angeles Bridgeport comicbooks.com