Life, 1924-03-20 · page 33 of 42
Life — March 20, 1924 — page 33: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This is a **full-page automobile advertisement**, not political satire. It promotes the Willys-Knight car, manufactured by Willys-Overland in Toledo, Ohio, circa 1920s. The ad emphasizes the car's exceptional fuel economy and durability, particularly its innovative sleeve-valve engine. Key marketing claims include: - Superior mileage compared to competitors - Engine "improves with use" and requires no valve grinding or carbon cleaning - Owner reports of 50,000+ miles without adjustment - Claims no Willys-Knight engine has ever worn out The illustration shows a touring car with passengers beneath a tree, suggesting leisure and reliability. The $1,175 price point (f.o.b. Toledo) positioned it as an affordable, practical family vehicle. This represents typical early automotive advertising emphasizing mechanical innovation and economy—concerns central to 1920s consumers.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
Big mileage! Smooth mileage! Eco- nomical mileage! The beautiful Wil- lys-Knight gives you more satisfying mileage than you ever dreamed you could get from a car. This fine car keeps youth in your veins and age out of mileage. Its beauty keeps you proud. Its faithful performance keeps you happy. Mile- age makes your heart grow fonder. Willys-Overland, I Toledo, Ohio 0. b. Toledo. all prices f The Day of the 5 Pas 2-passenger Roadster xe $1590), S-passencer We reserve the right to change prices and $ 117 5 fob. Toledo The wonderful Willys-Knight sleeve- valve engine is utterly free from the woes and wear and tear of ordinary poppet-valve engines. It actually improves with use! No valve grinding or carbon cleaning. Owners report 50,000 miles and more without an engine adjustment. As to total mileage, nobody knows—no Willys- Knight engine has ever been known to wear out! Willys-Overland Sales Co. Ltd., Toronto, Can. Knight is here! urin: comicbooks.com