Life — March 8, 1928 — page 3: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# Essex Super-Six Advertisement Analysis This page is primarily a **car advertisement**, not political satire. It promotes the Essex Super-Six automobile, marketed as offering superior "performance, comfort, beauty and reliability" at an attractive price point. The upper illustration depicts classical Greek or Roman architecture—likely meant to evoke timeless values and permanence. This visual metaphor suggests that Essex automobiles represent enduring quality and established craftsmanship. The ad emphasizes the manufacturer's long history ("one of the oldest and strongest automobile manufacturers") and robust dealer network as reasons for consumer confidence. The pricing information (Sedan $795, Coupe $745, Coach $735) indicates this was positioned as an affordable, value-oriented vehicle for middle-class buyers—a significant market segment in the 1920s automobile industry.