Life, 1913-08-21 · page 31 of 40
Life — August 21, 1913 — page 31: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This is primarily **automobile advertising**, not political satire. The page showcases Haynes automobiles, claiming the company created "America's First Car" and highlighting their latest innovation: the electric gear shift. The illustration depicts a street scene where a Haynes automobile is prominently displayed alongside period crowds and storefronts, emphasizing the car's role in modern urban life. The accompanying specifications detail three models with various engine sizes and seating configurations, ranging from $1,985 to $3,200. The "firsts" listed represent genuine technological claims: gasoline-powered engines, specific mechanical innovations, and now electrical transmission control. This was marketed as cutting-edge convenience—drivers no longer needed to manually shift gears, keeping both hands on the wheel. The tone celebrates technological progress and American industrial achievement. There is no discernible political commentary or satire on this page. It's a straightforward early-automotive-era advertisement targeting affluent consumers interested in the latest mechanical innovations.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
aM ea: America’s First Car Scores Another Big First HAYNES FIRSTS: The first gasoline driven American-made car, ‘The first two-cylinder opposed mets at exer of aluminem ia crank case. ‘SPECIFICATIONS + Ths first to use nickel steel ia axles. MODEL 26, 64 horse power, wheelbase 130 inches, 6-cylinder, 2-passenger roadster, 4- passenger at or S-passeager touring car, $2700; coupe $3200. MODEL 27, 65 horse power, wheelbase 136 inches, 6-cylinder, 6-passenger straight-line, or 7-passenger touring car, $2785; limousine $380. MODEL 28, 48 borse power, wheelbase 118 inches, 4-cylioder, 2-passenger roadster; 4- passenger straight-line, S-passenger touring car, $198S; coupe $2700. Hand levers are optional oa each model at $200 redaction. Ever since Elwood Haynes created America’s first gasoline car, and drove it down the streets of Kokomo, two decades ago, the Haynes has been constantly a pioneer and pace-maker in developing the automobile and bringing it to its present state of perfection, In the panel at the right is a long list of Haynes firsts—and now the Haynes comes to the front— All new Haynes models have the eleciric gear shift as standard equipment The Electric Gear Shift completes the electrical equipment of the Haynes. It is started Ly electricity, lighted by electricity, and the gears are shifted by electricity. This wonderful invention puts an end to the pulling of gear levers. You sit erect; your hands never need to leave the steering wheel. Your eyes can always be fixed on the road ahead. Safcty and confidence is gained, as well as absolute ease and convenience—to say nothing of the satisfaction and pride in possessing the very latest of automobile betterments. Beautiful—Strong Mechanically The lines of the new Haynes models are long, sweeping, and very pleasing. Back of the beauty, the convenience and the comfort of the Haynes is a simplicity, sturdiness and reliability that is the finished result of twenty years’ testing and proving. Many Other Good Features Mechanical tire pump; pressure feed gasoline supply; complete dashboard equipment, as specifications show; clear vision, ventilating wind shield; wide doors and roomy ton- neau; deep cushions; curtains adjustable from the seat. Good sized package space under floors, both front and rear. See the new Haynes Models at your dealer’s The Haynes with the wonderful gear shift is being exhibited and demonstrated by a dealer near you. he is, let us tell you. At any rate If you dont Know who Write for “The Complete Motorist” A Wonderful Automobile Book—By Elwood Haynes In this book, Mr. Haynes, the creator of the first American car. tells you the important things to know about tells you what the different parts are for, and what you should know about them; Write today. to get the most enjoyment for the least expense. HAYNES AUTOMOBILE COMPANY tells how to run an aut 43 Main St., Kokomo, Indiana