Life — September 21, 1916 — page 39: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This is primarily a **1917 automobile advertisement**, not political satire. It promotes the Cole-Springfield Toursedan, a convertible vehicle with a retractable roof that could function as either an open car or enclosed limousine. The illustration shows a well-dressed family and chauffeur examining the vehicle in front of an upscale home, emphasizing the car's luxury and versatility. The advertisement's appeal targets affluent buyers by highlighting the practical advantage: owners could switch between open and closed configurations "without even alighting from the car." The "Cole-8" logo and pricing ($1,595–$2,495) indicate this was a premium product. There is no discernible political or satirical content—this is straightforward commercial promotion typical of *Life* magazine's advertising sections during the 1910s. The page demonstrates how early automotive innovations (convertible design) were marketed to wealthy consumers as status symbols and practical conveniences.