Life, 1913-11-27 · page 27 of 40
Life — November 27, 1913 — page 27: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This is a straightforward advertisement, not a political cartoon or satire. The Willys-Overland Company promotes its 1914 Overlander electric coupe, priced at $1550. The ad targets women specifically, emphasizing the car's ease of operation through electric buttons and foot pedals rather than manual cranking—a significant selling point when cars required physical strength to start. The text highlights conveniences like electric lighting and starting, positioning this as an "ideal motor car" for women. The marketing strategy appealed to women's growing independence and mobility while emphasizing comfort and simplicity. This reflects early 20th-century attitudes about gender and technology, where manufacturers explicitly marketed vehicles to women as liberation from mechanical difficulty.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
Completely Equipped With Gray & Davis electric starter and Price f. 0 The Reigning Electrically Started and Lighted Coupe For Women N the electrically started and elec- trically lighted Overland Coupe the women of America have for the first time their ideal motor car. Touch a small foot pedal—and the car glides away as smoothly, softly and silently as an electric. Press an electric button—and the entire interior is flooded with a soft light which comes from a frosted dome sunk in the ceiling. Press another button--and the side, tail and head lights flash on. Lighting, starting, stopping, power and speed all easily controlled by the simple touch of a little electric button or lever. That's all. e All the comforts, conveniences and. simplicity of a $3500 storage battery electric, yet the cost is less than half. All the smartness and modishness of a high priced electric, yet the cost’ of maintenance is from 50% to 75% less. And in addition you have more power, unlimited mileage and a car that will take you, with as much comfort, on rough country roads as on the smoothest met- ropolitan macadam. You and your family should have one of these magnificent 1914 Overland Coupes for the holidays. A new car for the new year! You cannot even imag- ine a more fitting gift. Send for our handsome catalogue— illustrated and very descriptive. This tells the whole story. It’s gratis. Also, see this car at the Overland dealer’s in your town. Look him up today. Please address Dept. 16 The Willys-Overland Company Toledo, Ohio