Life, 1913-10-09 · page 29 of 44
Life — October 9, 1913 — page 29: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page is **not a cartoon or satire**—it's a straightforward automobile advertisement from Life magazine, likely early 1914. The heading "Three Months in Advance of the Calendar" refers to Moon Motor Car Company's marketing strategy of promoting 1914 models before the year begins. The ad promotes the Moon "Light Weight Six-50," a moderately-priced automobile positioned as an affordable alternative to expensive heavy six-cylinder cars. Key selling points include streamlined design, electric starting (Delco system), and modern features like disappearing seats and enclosed doors. The text uses contemporary automotive language to emphasize engineering innovations while predicting strong demand ("everybody spending $2,000 for a car in 1914 will be wanting Light Weight Sixes"). The comparison of the car to a refined "Arab" horse versus the heavier "Percheron" illustrates the lightweight positioning. This reflects the early auto industry's rapid development and competitive marketing during the pre-World War I period.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
Three Months in Advance of the Calendar Light Six-50 Streamline nn Ee Note These Advance Features Streamline Body—gradual taper without angles or breaks from the tip of the Radiator to the back of the car. This is a brand new creation—a pure design, not a compr Extremely large doors car- ried on concealed binges—making the body lines entirely smooth, without projections or disfigure: ment. Special wind shield designed as a part of the cowl and not something added to or el Cycar running boards, Gaso- line tank and Tire carriers in the rear. drive and band cen- ter Control, Both front doors “Low swung body, trimmed with our owe type pe upholsteri: its the “| ae P Four ahead and re- verse, with direct on third. Electric Lights—Elec- tric Cranker—Ignition with auto- matic spark control. isappearing seats, motor tire Fd pump, taper Selective type; four speeds ahead, one reverse; mounted on six imported Annular Bearings, varanteed for 90 horsepower; ra of Chrome Vanadium steel, heat treated. en Bearings rear axle— ‘ull-loating. ing, one-piece crucible steel, tested to 11 tons. Bearing Seats integral with Housing, insuring permanent alignment of Differential and Pinion. Board Under Cowl, illuminated by two concealed’ lights. Delco Switches, Regulator and Auto- matic Starting Button, Speed- ometer, Bight Day Clock, Hand Pressure Pump, Air Gauge, Air Adjustment for Carburetor, Port- able Light Switch and er for convenience of driver, all set in flusb, and within comfortable reach of driver. Light | CME dealers already have them, others are being shipped daily. Have you seen the car? Do so—it is a mechanical treat. You've always wanted a six—you’ll buy a light weight six this year. For—mark these words, everybody spending $2,000 for a car in 1914 will be wanting Light Weight Sixes. However large the supply, demand is going to be greater. The few reliable manufacturers making light weight, medium price Sixes will be physically unable be- fore the season’s end to turn them out fast enough to keep up with orders. You know what happened with the first Delco-started cars— and the first fore-door cars. People had to wait. If you are wise then you will do your investigating of cars now and place your order early. This is not an attempt to rush you into ordering, but it is a sincere and confident prediction. 1914 will see it fulfilled. Light Weight Six Facts The Moon Light Weight Six gives all the advantages of the heavy, expensive six—evenness of Torque, smooth running, easy riding, strength, power and roominess—all you've ever wanted a six for. It costs no more in upkeep than a Four of the same power—and weighs no more. It looks and is substantial—not a “light” looking car but classy of line—showing what it is; a refinement of the heavy six “Percheron” into the Light Six “Arab”. The Moon Dealer in your city will be glad to show you this car and the New Moon Four-42. He will explain them in detail. Should there be no Moon dealer where you live, write us and we will send literature and put you in touch with a Moon man. MOON MOTOR CAR COMPANY ST. LOUIS, U.S. A. comicbooks.com