Life — May 22, 1919 — page 6: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# Analysis This is **not a satirical cartoon page** but rather a **straightforward advertisement** for the Packard Motor Car Company of Detroit. The ad argues that corporations should buy Packards instead of cheaper cars, claiming superior business value through reliability, durability, and professional appearance. It emphasizes the car's smooth handling, efficiency on high gear at low speeds, and low maintenance costs—positioning the Packard as economical despite higher initial cost. The tagline "Ask the Man Who Owns One" was Packard's actual advertising slogan. The illustration shows a side-profile drawing of a Packard automobile. This represents early automotive advertising targeting business executives, not political satire. The appeal is practical and economic rather than humorous or satirical.