Life, 1929-04-19 · page 3 of 52
Life — April 19, 1929 — 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 for Graham-Paige cars, published in Life magazine. The page promotes the Graham-Paige's new four-speed transmission with a standard gear shift as a novel motoring innovation. The ad emphasizes the smoothness and acceleration of the higher gears, particularly the third and fourth speeds. The car pictured is a 1920s-era coupe model. Three signatures appear (Joseph A. Graham, Robert C. Graham, and Ray A. Graham), likely company principals. The only potentially humorous element is the claim that this transmission feature represents "the only new motoring thrill" owners have enjoyed recently — suggesting the automotive industry had become somewhat stagnant in innovation at this time.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
Life The New Thrill in Motoring Four Speeds Forward Standard Gear Shift WNERS say that the only new motoring thrill they have enjoyed thet in recent years is the distinguished per- [Ay Ly fn al formance of the Graham-Paige four speed KORREOLECCLLL transmission, with its two high speeds jevaee eI and standard gear shift. The smoothness and swiftness of fourth, and the rapid acceleration of third, can only be appreci- ated by personal experience. There is nothing new to learn—you start in second; first is instantly available, but seldom used. We invite you to enjoy a demon- stration of this new thrill in motoring. Five chassis—sixes and eights— prices ranging from $893 to $2495. Car illustrated is Model 827, eagpok Ertdonss eight cylinder Cabriolet with Rumble Seat. $2145 (special equipment extra). All prices at factory. Lirhet b y SRAHKAM-PAIGE comicbooks.com