Life, 1924-05-08 · page 2 of 42
Life — May 8, 1924 — page 2: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This is **not a satirical cartoon page** — it's a straightforward **advertisement for Michelin Balloon Comfort Cords tires**, placed in Life magazine. The page features the Michelin Man (Bibendum), the company's long-running mascot, holding a sign claiming an "117% to 49%" size advantage over competitor balloon tires. The ad argues that Michelin's larger tires fit standard Ford rims without modification, offering benefits like lower inflation pressure, improved flexibility, better riding comfort, and superior mileage. There is no political or social satire here. This is commercial advertising typical of early-to-mid 20th century automotive magazines, using the recognizable Michelin mascot to promote tire superiority through comparative sizing claims.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
MICHELI Balloon Comfort Cords uch bigger than other Balloon Tires ’ for present rims For instance: To replace 32 x 4% tires Michelin recommends the 35 x 6.60 Mich- elin Balloon Comfort Cord which is 117% larger in air space than the oversize cord it replaces. Other balloon tires recommend. ed for the same rim are only 49% larger in air space than oversize cords. In other words, Michelin Comfort Cords offer you more than twice as big an increase in size over present equipment as do other makes. This extra size is all-important. It makes possible lower inflation: and more flexible construction, and thus results in a combi- nation of riding comfort, car protection and tire mileage that is without rival. You can have immediate delivery of Michelin Com- fort Cords. Ask your dealer. . Michelin Tire Co., Milltown, N. J. __A-fulttine of balloon tires for present vis, Including a clincher balloon that fits standard Ford Clincher rims without change. Tat comicbooks.com