Life — August 13, 1914 — page 6: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# Analysis This is **not a political cartoon or satire page**—it's a straightforward automobile advertisement for Studebaker vehicles, published in *Life* magazine. The page advertises four Studebaker models with prices ranging from $985 to $1,450. It emphasizes manufacturing quality, value, and competitive advantages: Studebaker manufactures most of its own parts (unlike competitors who source externally), enabling better quality control and lower costs. The "Proof of Studebaker Value" section lists technical specifications and manufacturing practices intended to justify the brand's competitive pricing. This was standard early-20th-century advertising strategy—using detailed technical claims to build consumer confidence in automobile purchases. The silhouette illustrations show the vehicle designs typical of the 1910s-1920s era.