Life, 1915-09-16 · page 35 of 48
Life — September 16, 1915 — page 35: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page is primarily a **Studebaker automobile advertisement**, not satirical content. It appears in *Life* magazine (page 527) and showcases the company's 1910s car models. The ad features an illustration of well-dressed passengers in an open-air touring car, with a businessman reading documents in an inset image—suggesting that driving a Studebaker is so effortless it allows one to conduct business without distraction. The marketing pitch emphasizes "Recreation and Relaxation," claiming the car requires minimal mental or physical strain to operate. This reflects early automotive advertising's appeal to middle-class buyers by positioning car ownership as both practical and leisurely. Pricing ranges from $850–$2,250 depending on model and configuration. Canadian prices are listed separately, indicating this was a cross-border market. The advertisement includes the notable claim: "We have made and sold over 185,000 gasoline motor cars"—a sales figure meant to establish credibility in a competitive emerging industry.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
ked like aut. ecall rgize alled ty addressed n of wns ress. Recreation and Relaxation Four Cylinder Models Touring Car, 7-passenger . $ 885 Roadster, 3-passenger . . _ 850 Landau-Rondster, 3-pass. . 1185 F. 0. B. Detroit Canadian Prices Touring Car, 7-passenger . $1195 Roadster, 3-passenger . . 1165 Landau-Roadster, 3-pass. 1495 F.0.B. Walkerville Six Cylinder Models Touring Car, 7-passenger . $1050 Roadster, 3-passenger . . 1000 Landau-Roadster, 3-pass . 1350 Coupe, 4-passenger . . . 1850 Limousine, 7-passenger . 2250 F.O.B. Detroit Canadian Prices Touring Car, 7-passenger . Roadster, 3-passenger . . Landau-Roadster, 3-pass. . F.0.B, Walkerville The delightful, healthful recreation afforded in driving the Studebaker car is due to the fact that no mental strain is involved in operating it. The weight of the car is so evenly balanced it has no tendency to run out of the road. Physical strength is not constantly required to make it drive straight. The deep and soft cushions, upholstered with real hair and the best obtainable grade of genuine hand-buffed leather, are luxurious and restful. The highly tempered steel sprin; are properly suspended and very pliable, gently absorbing the shocks of the roads. The Power of the motor is responsive and flexible, whether climbing steep hills, driving through sand or running on smooth roads. It is a pleasure indeed to sit behind the wheel of a Studebaker car, Just enough attention is required to prevent one from thinking of business, and yet not enough to prevent complete relaxation of the mind and body and absolute refreshment from the open air, Driving a Studebaker car is so easy, you do it instinctively—it becomes second nature. DO YOU DRIVE A STUDEBAKER? If not, let us give you a demonstration and convince you of its satisfying qualities. STUDEBAKER South Bend, Ind. Walkerville, Ont. Detroit, Mich. Address all correspondence to Detroit We have made and sold over 185,000 gasoline motor cars. comicbooks.com