Life, 1928-04-05 · page 49 of 59
Life — April 5, 1928 — page 49: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This is **not a cartoon or satire**—it's a straightforward **luxury automobile advertisement** for Packard cars, placed in Life magazine. The page features a 1920s Packard roadster with three photographs above showing manufacturing processes: metalwork, casting, and assembly. The ad emphasizes Packard's quality control, precision engineering, and craftsmanship—positioning the brand as America's finest automobile through detailed descriptions of foundry work, temperature control, and metal casting. The tagline "Ask the Man Who Owns One" was Packard's famous advertising slogan, implying satisfied ownership. Prices range from $2,275 to $8,970, positioning Packard as a luxury vehicle for the wealthy. There is no political commentary or satirical intent here—this is premium product advertising from the pre-Depression era, targeting affluent readers of Life magazine.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
| Baca quality begins with the raw metal. It is melted and mixed and cast by Packard’s own craftsmen, who practice with modern exactness an art that was ancient when the Christian era dawned. In one of the world’s most modern foun- dries Packard precision parts first take form under scientific control. Every detail of temperature and the blending and pouring of metals into the intricate moulds is carefully checked. For perfect castings are the first step in precision manufacture. And Packard standards are as exacting in the unseen water chambers cast within cylinder walls as in the lacquered finish of a brilliant body or the fine adjustment of a crank shaft balance. From the drawing boards of world-famous engineers to the beautiful and luxurious finished vehicle, Packard exercises com- plete control of quality. The Packard’s reputation as the best built car in the world is jealously protected. Dependable performance and long life are the result. Packard cars are priced from $2275 to $4550. Individual custom models from $5200 to $8970, at Detroit PACKARD ASK THE MAN WHO OWNS ONE comicbooks.com