Life, 1914-03-05 · page 37 of 60
Life — March 5, 1914 — page 37: 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. The page advertises the Jeffery Four automobile, manufactured by the Thomas B. Jeffery Company in Kenosha, Wisconsin. The ad targets middle-class buyers who previously couldn't afford quality cars, positioning the Jeffery as offering "elegance, smartness, and 'class'" at reasonable prices ($1,150-$2,250 depending on model). The image shows a well-dressed couple with an open-air motorcar parked in front of a nice house, representing the aspirational lifestyle the car enables. Key selling points emphasized: European design, efficient motors, and recent acclaim at major auto shows (Paris, New York, Chicago). This represents early 20th-century automotive marketing — before cars were mass-market commodities, manufacturers pitched them as status symbols and engineering achievements to affluent consumers.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
neue de TT THe Jeffery Four offers both quality and economy to those who have hitherto been unable to get the necessary elegance, smartness, and ‘‘class’’ except in heavy, high-priced cars. It is now possible to own a motor car that. satisfies every requirement of pride without excessive first cost or expensive upkeep. You will find in the Jeffery every detail of construction or design that represents the new nd best European ideas. The high-efficiency, bl motor—power without bulk—and the Rothschild designed body are Both of these features were of domi- ng interest at the recent Paris, New York and Chicago shows. Jeffery prices > senger Four, $1 ; Two passen- ger Four, $1550; passenger Six, $2250; Two pas- senger Six, $2250. A beautifully printed book about the Jeffery will gree von the detatls you will want to know. Sent upon request. The Thomas B. Jeffery Gompany Main Office and Works, Kenosha, Wisconsin comicbooks.com