Life, 1923-09-13 · page 27 of 36
Life — September 13, 1923 — page 27: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This is primarily a **Franklin automobile advertisement**, not satire or a political cartoon. It appears from a 1920s issue of *Life* magazine. The ad promotes Franklin's closed-car models (sedan, coupé, brougham, demi-sedan, touring-limousine) by claiming Franklin sells a higher proportion of closed cars than competitors—75% versus the industry average of 35%. The copy emphasizes superior handling, ride quality, cooling system, and design. The visual shows two silhouetted automobiles: a smaller car on a pole (possibly indicating market leadership or aspirational status) and a larger, more detailed sedan with passengers visible through windows. **For modern readers**: This reflects early automotive marketing when "closed cars" (enclosed cabins) were still competing with open-air models. Franklin's pitch emphasizes practicality and comfort as signs of market dominance—a common advertising strategy positioning market share as proof of superiority. There is no political cartoon content on this page; it is straightforward period advertising.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
FRAN KLIN “™_ Closed Cars —=> The Sedan A new four-door type, seating five passengers. A great car for touring, and for anyone in the family to drive. Franklin sells more closed cars in proportion to total output than any other maker in the world. The percentage is more than double. the average of the industry—Franklin, 75% ; the industry, 35% Franklin closed cars handle easier, ride better, and cover more ground in a day than other closed cars. This difference in road ability is clearly marked by the overwhelming margin of popularity. Perfect cooling under all conditions with the new Franklin air-pressure system. Powerful New Six Motor Beautiful Body Designs The Coupé Anintimate personal car that seats four when re- quired. Folding auxiliary seat, rear hamper, recep- tacle back of driver. The Brougham A smart, compact car for town and touring, seating ‘five. Wide doors, Pullman front seats, luggage trunk. Finished in Royal Blae. The Demi-Sedan Closed car comfort plus open car endurance and performance. Permanent top, leather trim, remov- able sliding windows. Touring-Limousine A chauffeurdriven car instantly anowner-driven family car merely by sliding back» glass partition. comicbooks.com converted into