Life — August 24, 1916 — page 2: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# Simplex Automobile Advertisement This page is primarily a **car advertisement**, not political satire. It features a Simplex automobile from the early 20th century, displayed in a stylized showroom setting with two well-dressed figures examining the vehicle. The advertisement emphasizes the car's quality through the quote: "ALL THAT HAS BEEN SAID OR COULD BE SAID OF EFFICIENCY AND EXCELLENCE IN A MOTOR CAR IS ACTUALLY AND VISIBLY PRESENT IN THE SIMPLEX." The Crane Model 6-Cylinder Chassis is priced at $5,000—a substantial sum for the era. The elegant presentation, with formally dressed potential buyers and the automobile's prominent display, targets wealthy consumers. This reflects early automotive marketing that positioned cars as luxury goods for the affluent.