Life, 1916-09-21 · page 31 of 44
Life — September 21, 1916 — page 31: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This is **not a cartoon or satire** — it's a straightforward advertisement for Goodyear Cord Tires from *Life* magazine (page 501). The page promotes Goodyear's tire technology to early automotive consumers, emphasizing "flexibility" as the key innovation. The ad targets economically-minded drivers who prioritize long-term value ("last cost more important than first cost") over initial purchase price. The large tire image on the right showcases the product's distinctive diamond-pattern tread design. The text highlights practical benefits: better fuel efficiency, improved comfort, resistance to road damage, and better steering control. This reflects the early 1920s automotive era when tire quality was still a significant consumer concern and advertising focused on technical specifications rather than lifestyle branding. The messaging assumes readers understand car mechanics and prioritize durability and economy — typical of the period's more utility-focused advertising approach.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
lenee What Goodyear Cords Will Do For You LEXIBILITY is the vital essential to the remarkable F results which users are getting from Goodyear Cord Tires. It makes the tires resilient, fast, light-running, sturdy and strong. Flexibility in the tire resists road injury. It enables the car to coast farther with the power shut off. It makes the motor’s work easier in hill-climbing and in ordinary running. It gives more comfort to the passengers in the car. And those passengers also ride on a very large air cushion be- cause of the increased size of these tires. Because they accomplish these results, Goodyear Cord Tires have found first favor with thousands of motorists who count last cost more important than first cost. . These users seek tire and car economy, just as you do. They, like you, want the maximum of mileage with the minimum of annoyance and delay. And they have learned that the service and the comfort of Goodyear Cords, which make their higher price a minor consider- ation, are not approximated in any other tire. The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company, Akron, Ohio All-Weather and Ribbed Treads, both Double-Thick, for rear and front wheels. The All-Weather grips, deep and sharp, resist skidding and give maximum traction. The Ribbed Tread assists easy steering. Goodyear Tires, Heavy Tourist Tubes and Tire Saver Accessories are easy to get from Goodyear Service Station Dealers everywhere. ~ GooneYEAR CORD TIRES comicbooks.com”