Life, 1916-05-04 · page 5 of 52
Life — May 4, 1916 — page 5: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page is **not political satire** but rather a **vintage automobile advertisement** from Life magazine (page 829). The image advertises the Chalmers Motor Company's 3400 r.p.m. model, priced at $1090. It depicts an elegantly dressed couple and their chauffeur with the vehicle, representing the aspirational lifestyle of early automotive ownership. The accompanying text emphasizes the car's practical features: fuel efficiency (18 miles per gallon), power reserve, and riding comfort—luxury details marketed to wealthy buyers. The ad lists various Chalmers models with prices and color options. This represents typical 1920s automobile marketing, positioning the vehicle as a status symbol for the affluent classes, with emphasis on both performance specifications and social prestige.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
Lived 3400 r. p. m. speeds she calls forth only 16 to 40 per cent of her engine-might, holding 60 to 84 per cent in instant readiness for almighty acceler- ation, 50 or GO miles an hour when you need it, and strenuous hill work, This reserve of power under average pressure imbues this high- speed engine with remarkable length of life. This car delivers 18 miles per gallon of gas, and riding comfort that is wholly new to popular-priced motoring. Leathers, springs, and cushions are reinforced by the throbless, strainless rush of energy along her perfectly balanced crankshaft, which adds ease of driving to ease of riding. Chalmers Service does not begin at the service stations. It Chalmers, at $1090 begins the moment the raw metals, woods and leathers reach the vast factory in Detroit, and their translation into the 3400 r. p. m. commences under the scrutiny of 226 inspectors. But to make satisfaction still surer, you receive a book of free service and inspection coupons, negotiable at any Chalmers dealer's. She’s a strong, fit, ruly, sensible sort of car to call your.own. She’ll serve you long, and trouble you little. Five-Passenger Touring Car, $1090 Detroit Three-Passenger Cabriolet, $1440 Detroit Two-Passenger Roadster, $1070 Detroit Colors: Meteor blue or Oriford maroon with gold stripes furnished in Valentine green. Cabriolet also Chalmers Motor Company, Detroit comicbooks.com