Life, 1920-12-16 · page 2 of 45
Life — December 16, 1920 — page 2: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page is **primarily an advertisement** for Michelin Universal Cord tires, not political satire. The central image depicts the Michelin Man (Bibendum), the company's mascot—a rotund, segmented character made of tire treads. The advertisement emphasizes three product improvements: a new tread compound for durability, improved tread design to prevent skidding, and an oversized body resisting blow-outs. The copy positions these as innovations establishing "a new standard for supreme durability." The small vehicles illustrated at the bottom represent the tire's versatility across different transportation types. This appears in *Life* magazine's paid advertising section rather than editorial content, making it a commercial message rather than commentary or satire.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
A sturdy oversize cord tire that establishes a new standard for supreme durability and freedom from skidding It is fitting that the house which 25 years ago invented the pneumatic automobile tire, should now introduce three improvements which result in greatly increased mileage: 1—A new tread compound, perhaps unequalled for durability, 2—An improved tread-design that effectively opposes skidding and still further increases the durability of the tire. 3—A super-sturdy, over-size body that gives unsurpassed freedom from blow-outs. For a new degree of motoring satisfaction, use Michelin Universal Cords and Ring-shaped Tubes. MICHELIN TIRE COMPANY, MILLTOWN, NEW. JERSEY Landon, England; Torin, taly—Dealers in ell parts of the world. comicbooks.com