Life, 1914-04-02 · page 9 of 68
Life — April 2, 1914 — page 9: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This is primarily an **automobile advertisement**, not satire or political commentary. The Willys-Overland Company promotes their 1914 Overland automobile as "The World's Greatest Automobile Value." The illustration shows a well-dressed woman in period clothing observing an early motorcar (with two men visible—one driving, one appearing to load cargo). The ad uses a rhetorical device: "From Any Point of View," listing comparative advantages (appearance, power, comfort, mechanical quality, size, and price). The key selling point is **affordability**: the Overland costs $950-$1075 and is marketed as 30% cheaper than competing cars while offering more features. This represents early automotive marketing to middle-class consumers, before cars were mass-produced luxuries. The woman's prominent placement suggests marketing toward female consumers—a relatively novel advertising strategy for the era.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
From Any Point of View— The World’s Greatest Automobile Value IROM the standpoint of appearance—the Overland has unusual grace and harmonious body proportions. From the standpoint of power—the Overland is a big powerful smooth running 35 horsepower car; econom- ical to operate; easy to drive. From the standpoint of comfort—the Overland is luxuriously upholstered in genuine hand buffed leather, tufted over specially selected curled hair, made deep with tilted divan cushions; lots of leg room; ample for five Passengers; no crowding. From a mechanical standpoint—the Overland chassis is one of the finest and most finished pieces of mechanism in the world. From the standpoint of size—the Overland has the longest wheelbase of any car at this price in the world; the largest motor, the roomiest tonneau, and the largest tires of any car at this price in the world. And finally, and most important of all, from a price standpoint—the Overland costs 30% less than any other similar car on the market. Now from your standpoint—can you afford and does it seem reasonable to pay more for other cars that offer you no more than you get in the Overland for $950? There is an Overland dealer near you. Look him up and see this car today. Handsome 1914 catalogue on request. Please address Dept. 16 The Willys-Overland Company, Toledo, Ohio Manafactarers of the famous Overland Delivery Wagons, Garford and Willys-Utility Tracks. Fall information on request Canedian Factory: Canadian Prices: 1250 Completely equipped The Wilys-Overland of Canadas Uncied, Hamilton, Ont 6 CR ban FEES Pek Mes tastes end generator $950 fab Toledo comicbooks.com