Life, 1926-01-21 · page 3 of 36
Life — January 21, 1926 — page 3: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This is **not a political cartoon or satire**—it's a straightforward automobile advertisement from Life magazine. The page advertises the Kissel All-Year Coupe Roadster, priced at $1,695. The "Two Cars in One" concept refers to the vehicle's convertible design: it functions as an open roadster for pleasant weather and converts to a closed coupe for winter conditions. Two photographs show the same car in both configurations. The marketing pitch emphasizes practicality and versatility—combining "youth," "power," "comfort," and "exhilaration" in a single vehicle. The ad positions this as ideal for "young people," doctors, salesmen, and businessmen wanting extra personal transportation. The Kissel Motor Car Company (Hartford, Wisconsin) positions this as an economical alternative to owning multiple vehicles. This reflects 1920s consumer marketing rather than satire or political commentary.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
Two Cars in One = $1695 Acombination open roadster for fine weather and closed coupe for cold days. A car with youth in its racy lines — power in its dashing speed! A car that means snug, cozy comfort in snow, rain and bitter weather; and the exhilaration of rushing open air on fine days, Not a makeshift conversion from closed to open car, but a handsome custom-built automobile. Glasses on the two side doors may be raised and used as a windshield when car is open roadster. Nothing else like it! A personal car, exclusive and elegant, built to seat four comfortably. It is two cars Announcing the New Kissel All-Year Coupe Roadster 2-Passenger Six—f. 0. b. Hartford Body by Kissel in one, priced at far less than the former cost of an open roadster, and powered by the great Kissel Advance Engineered Motor. The Six at $1695; the Straight Eight at $2005. What an ideal motor car for young people! What a practical car for doctors, salesmen, or business men wishing an extra car for personal use! Here, indeed, is a striking example of Kissel leader- ship in smart style and sound engineering. It is destined to be one of the most popular roadsters of 1926. Complete information on request. THE KISSEL MOTOR CAR CO., Hartford, Wis. 203) Og Yor NY, Sebecrtetion. #5 = oy ave tated U.S. A” “Entered an Secwed i, No. S285. Janaary 21, 1505. Entered as Sormnd Clase Matter, June the Pest UiSiee Dept. Canada. Copyright, vat, LIFE. tn the Usa, comicbooks.com