Life — May 17, 1923 — page 37: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This is **not a cartoon or satire**—it's a straightforward commercial advertisement for Franklin automobiles, appearing in *Life* magazine (which published both humor and ads). The page promotes Franklin's new car models, emphasizing their "Powerful New Six Motor" and "Beautiful Body Designs." The dramatic illustration shows a sedan with an oversized engine looming behind it, visually emphasizing mechanical power. The copy claims demand for Franklin cars "more than doubled" with these new models, boasting superior "road ability." Various models are listed with prices ranging from $2,250 to $2,950 (substantial sums in the 1920s era this appears from). All prices are listed as "f.o.b. Syracuse," indicating Franklin's manufacturing location. This represents typical 1920s automotive advertising—promotional rather than satirical.