Life, 1914-01-22 · page 33 of 40
Life — January 22, 1914 — page 33: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This is **not a cartoon or satire**—it's a straightforward automobile advertisement from Life magazine, page 161. The page announces three Marmon car models (the "Forty One," "48," and "32") manufactured by Nordyke & Marmon Co. of Indianapolis, established 1851. The ad emphasizes technical features: six-cylinder engines, smooth power delivery, luxury amenities, and versatile body styles with detailed pricing ($3,250-$4,750). The illustration shows a Marmon touring car with passengers. The tagline "The Easiest Riding Car in the World" is marketing language, not satire. **Context for modern readers**: This reflects the early automotive era when car manufacturers advertised extensively in general-interest magazines, emphasizing mechanical innovation and luxury as selling points to affluent buyers. The formal, detailed specifications and high prices indicate these were premium vehicles.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
Car World” Announcing the Marmon “Forty One” Marmon “Forty One” Six-cylinder engine, 41 to 70 horse power, a marvel of velvety smoothness and silent power. An improvement on the famous auto- matic force feed, oiling system originated and developed on Marmon cars, eliminates noise by valve mechanism operating in cir- culating oil bath. 132-inch wheel base. Three point support for both engine and transmission. Straight line shaft drive and full floating rear axle. 25-gallon gasoline tank and tire holder mounted on frame in rear. Elec- tric starting, ligliting, horn, power tire pump and equipment for every requirement. Touring Car for five or four passengers, Roadster or Speedster, $3,250.00 ; Limousine, $4,750.00; Chassis, $3,000.00; f. 0. b. factory, In- dianapolis. A remarkable, medium sized six cylinder car of ample capacity and power to take you over the most difficult roads and grades in comfort— A car that throttles down to a crawl or goes at breathless speed without gear shifting— A car of beauty with every conven- ience and luxury known to motordom— and not a few that have been heretofore unknown— Inall, a car of Marmon quality—the highest expression of real automobile value. Inquiries to our factory or to the Mar- mon dealer in any city will be treated with the respect and consideration which the average purchaser of the high class car desires and expects. Nordyke & Marmon Co. INDIANAPOLIS (Established - 1851 ) INDIANA Sixty Years Marmon “48” ” Six-cylinder, 48-80 h. p., 145- inch wheel base with short turn- ing ability, eliminating the old objections to long wheel base. Body types and equipment to meet every requirement. The only big car with small car advan- tages. Wonderful riding qua’ and surpassing power and flex bility. A car developed by years of thorough tests to meet every demand of the exacting buyer. Marmon “32” Four-cylinder, 32-40 h. p., 120- inch wheel base, body types and equipment to meet every require- ment. A rational, logical car for touring and city use. Years of satisfactory service have proved its economy in tires, fuel and up- keep—plus smooth, delightful operation and durability. comicbooks.com