Life, 1918-08-22 · page 4 of 34
Life — August 22, 1918 — page 4: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
# Locomobile Advertisement This is a **straightforward advertisement**, not satire or political commentary. The Locomobile Company of America uses this full-page LIFE magazine placement to market their automobiles by emphasizing their business philosophy. The ad's central claim is that Locomobile prioritizes **quality over quantity**—they build fewer cars but build them exceptionally well. This positioning strategy was common among luxury automakers competing against mass-production rivals like Ford. The decorative border and formal typography reflect early 20th-century advertising aesthetics. The small illustration shows a touring car typical of the era. There is no political cartoon or satire present—this is purely commercial messaging appealing to affluent LIFE readers who valued craftsmanship and exclusivity.