Life, 1929-06-07 · page 6 of 48
Life — June 7, 1929 — page 6: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This is primarily a **Franklin automobile advertisement**, not political satire. The image shows a stylishly dressed woman admiring a Franklin car beside flowers, representing aspirational 1920s consumer culture. The ad's satire is **commercial rather than political**: it mockingly claims "Progress has proved that FRANKLIN was right," referencing Franklin's earlier marketing emphasis on air-cooling technology. The copy playfully suggests competitors dismissed this innovation until sales success vindicated it. The "airplane feel" messaging appealed to 1920s fascination with aviation as the ultimate symbol of modernity. The ad positions Franklin as progressive and forward-thinking, with price reductions ($600 cheaper) and superior performance to justify purchasing. This reflects post-WWI American optimism about technology and consumer goods.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
rogress has proved that FRANKLIN was right Franklin acknowledges with pride the way in which the Youth of America has taken to the new airplane feel of Franklin air-cooled cars. American boys and girls really test cars, and to win their enthusiasm is to gain the approval of the entire nation. Youth has tried every car—and has now turned to air-cooling because of its re- markable performance—because it is progressive. Justas Aviation has turned to air-cooling because of its great re- liability, stamina and power. From the thrilling airplane feel of driving the new Franklin, to its modern, modish beauty, this sensa- The One-Thirty, $2180 ¢¢¢ The One-Thirty-Five, $2485 ¢¢¢ The One+Thirty-Seven, FRAN tional motor car is NEW. So new that even a short drive is an experience which says, “No automobile has ever performed so amazingly, handled so effortlessly, ridden so comfortably” — none can without air-cooling! And with the new prices, which are as much as $600 lower than previous Franklins of similar type, the perform- ance, quality and value offeredareeven more sensational. Incomparable! And thousands realize it. Sales are more than 200% of the same period last year. Drive the car today—experience the famous airplane feel. FRANKLIN AUTOMOBILE COMPANY, SYRACUSE KL 50+ Sedan prices f. 0. , factory comicbooks.com