Life, 1917-11-29 · page 39 of 40
Life — November 29, 1917 — page 39: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This is **not a cartoon or satire**—it's a straightforward automobile advertisement for the Willys-Knight Limousine, manufactured by Willys-Overland Inc. in Toledo, Ohio. The image shows a vintage car (approximately 1920s era based on design) with passengers and a dog, positioned to showcase the vehicle's features. The accompanying text describes luxury amenities: an eight-cylinder engine, extended wheelbase (125 inches), upholstered seats with wool worsted fabric, a hassock, carpeted floor, clocks in front and rear compartments, a vanity case, smoking set with electric cigar lighter, floor heater, foot rest, etched glass windows, and a "Dictograph" communication system between driver and passengers. The advertisement emphasizes refinement and comfort ("almost vibrationless") as selling points, positioning the Willys-Knight as a competitive luxury vehicle at reasonable prices compared to similar models. This represents early-20th-century automotive marketing targeting affluent consumers.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
Built, on the eight cylinder sis, with many “added luxuries and refinements, the new Willys-Knight Limousine is the handsomest car we ever produ The wheelbase has been length- ened to 125 inches, which permits a roomier body and makes the car easier riding. The upholstery and side and top linings 2 in beautiful worsteds of superb quality; there is a hassock to match, and the floor is covered with a soft carpet of lux- The New Limousine —Many Added Luxuries and Refinements is texture and. thi upholstered seats finished frame fold under the back of the front ut with greater compactness. A clock is provided in both the front and the rear compart- ments, and in the rear com- partment there is a vanity case for madam on one side while on the other side is a smoking set with an celectr: cigar lighter. Dictograph communication with the driver is an added con- venience. Windows by the A floor heater and foot rest are provided. There are etched gl: quarter and step | othing has been s| bring the body up to a stand- ard of luxury and refinement in keeping with the Willy Knight Eight Cylinder Motor. Quiet, almost vibrationless, ¢ c in the highest degr and virtually permanently so for it improves instead of d teriorating with use, this re- Willys-Overland Inc., Toledo, Ohio Willys-Knight Overland Motor Cars le motor is pre-emi- the power plant for closed cars. ‘or those who prefer the ‘ar or Sedan there are these types similarly equipped Town And the prices range consider- ably lower t refinement of luxu i | artistically Willys-Over- examine these lly — note ter value they represent at the prices at which they are sold. comicbooks.com