Life, 1920-05-13 · page 49 of 52
Life — May 13, 1920 — page 49: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This is a **full-page advertisement**, not a political cartoon. It promotes Havoline Motor Oil by Indian Refining Co. of New York City. The ad uses the tagline **"It makes a difference"** twice—emphasizing that choosing the right oil brand matters for automobile performance. The central image shows a large oil can alongside illustrations of early automobiles, with one vehicle appearing damaged, contrasting with another in better condition. The copy stresses that Havoline Oil forms a protective film that keeps motors running smoothly and affordably, and advises customers to specifically request the brand by name rather than generic "oil." This reflects early automotive culture when motor oil quality was still variable and brand selection genuinely affected engine longevity—a practical sales pitch rather than satire. The vintage automobiles and sealed-container emphasis date this to the 1910s-1920s era.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
LIFE “It makes a difference” FIVE u.S.GALLONS NET. { ; @ { To kind of oil you use : makes a difference in the : efficiency of your motor. , Havoline Oil forms a protect- ALC, US. PAT. OFF ing film that will not break up. It keeps your motor 4 running sweetly and at the . @) I L minimum cost. Don't just ask for “oil”; ask for Havoline A sf Oil, and in the sealed con- sy“ . tainers. It means health and _ It makes a difference long life for your automobile. 4 INDIAN REFINING CO. Incorporated NEW YORK An independent company that produces and refines its own petroleum INDIAN REFINING CO. NCORPORATED> r) Ss: PETVE). CAREY, PRINTER comicbooks.com