Life, 1921-10-06 · page 3 of 33
Life — October 6, 1921 — page 3: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This is a **motor car advertisement**, not political satire. The Templar Motors Company uses an extended metaphor comparing automobile engineering to athletic training. The ad argues that removing "unnecessary weight" from cars—like athletes shedding excess pounds—improves performance: speed, endurance, and handling. It contrasts this with competitors' cars that remain "heavy" because manufacturers mistakenly believed weight provided stability ("easy riding"). The piece emphasizes Templar's innovation: their lightweight construction makes cars faster, more nimble, and more fuel-efficient. The ad positions Templar as the "winning" choice, achieving "the pink of perfection" through superior engineering rather than outdated design philosophy. The Templar Motors Company was located in Cleveland, Ohio.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
Ln “the Pink of Perfection” HEN an athlete wants to win, the first thing he always does is to train off every ounce of unnecessary weight—because that weight holds him back, makes him slow and awkward. SSS Freed from that drag of unnecessary weight, he begins at once to show greater speed and more endurance. His muscles and his nerves (the same muscles and nerves that he had before) display new power, and he reaches “the pink of perfection.” Excess Weight is Wasteful TS same law that governs athletes also governs motor cars. Every ounce of unnecessary weight holds a car back—gives the engine wasteful work to do. Get rid of unnecessary weight and your engine works more effectively, you get away faster and sustain higher speed,and your car handles more easily. In a dozen ways you have a better car. Not mere VERYBODY knows that excess weight costs money to "Ty At buy, slows down speed and eats up gasoline and tires. And § that’s bad. Too often “high-grade” has meant “wasteful.” Weight That’s a mistake that Templar engineers have surely cured, and in curing it they have put Templar in the winning athlete’s “pink of perfection.” But note this point carefully, This does not mean that mere light weight means motor-car success. It may mean weakness, breakdowns, repair-bills, constant bother. An underfed, under- weight person is never an athlete. Wonderful rE Se real point is this. Originally all motor cars were over- . weight and clumsy. The automobile was then a pieced- R idi together thing. To-day it is built as a unit. Yet even now many ‘Reding cars continue heavy “because weight makes easy riding.” Easy riding? Well, for the best proof, try Templar. Try it on rough and bumpy roads, where every heavy car must travel slow to avoid jolts and damage. Templar keeps on going, full speed ahead. It’s great fun—and a great surprise if you’re not already a Templar booster. Easy To-day’s ND that’s but part of Templar’s superfine merit. Not a was Great or a will-be car, but a sterling ear this minute. Abund: “e . (ar speed, rapid getaway, ideal to handle even in thick city traff.c— 118-inch wheel base, turns around in 38 feet. S*ends rough usage like a mustang. Splendid in equipment Made to please owners accustomed to the utmost. Costs $1985—closed models $2785. Let’s get acquainted. We shall be glad to send the name of the Templar dealer nearest you. The Templar Motors Company, 2200 Halstead Street, Cleveland. i comicbooks.com