Life, 1913-10-02 · page 33 of 48
Life — October 2, 1913 — page 33: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This is **not satire or political content** — it's a straightforward automobile advertisement from Life magazine (page 577). The image shows a well-dressed woman operating an Ohio Electric Car, positioned at a window overlooking a landscape. The ad emphasizes four technological features: magnetic control (replacing traditional levers), magnetic braking with safety features, dual front-and-rear drive capability, and chainless shaft drive for efficiency. All are claimed as "patented and exclusive." This represents early 1900s automotive marketing, when electric vehicles competed seriously with gasoline cars. The refined female figure suggests these cars appealed to affluent, educated consumers. The term "envied" in the tagline implies social status and desirability. There is no satirical commentary here — Life functioned partly as a commercial magazine accepting advertisements alongside editorial content.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
Demonstrated Superiority in the Four Vital Points Control: Magnetic—a small disc taking the place of the usual cumbersome control lever. L. Braking: Magnetic, operating upon pressure of a button. The car cannot skid when this is applied. Foot-brake has automatic power cut-out. The brakes are external, and will not freeze up. Drive: Double drive from both front and rear seat. Principle: Chainless, direct shaft drive without universal joints. Consequently, maximum efficiency per unit of power. These four features are patented and exclusive to the Ohio Electric. They are only a few of many. See the car at the nearest Ohio dealer or write for catalog. The Ohio Electric Car Company, 1505 W. Bancroft St., Toledo Gibson Electrics, Ltd. Ontario Distributors Toronto, Canada OHI THE ENVIED ELECTRIC comicbooks.com