Life — August 29, 1930 — page 2: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This page is an advertisement for Cord automobiles, not political satire. The image shows four cars stacked vertically with a dramatic radiating light burst behind them, emphasizing their superiority. The ad argues that Cord's front-drive construction is mechanically superior to rear-drive vehicles used by competitors—simpler, stronger, and free from vibration and wear issues. The text claims front-drive "eliminates complications" inherent to rear-drive cars. This reflects genuine 1920s-30s automotive engineering debates about drivetrain design. The stacked vehicles suggest a hierarchy, with the sleek Cord at bottom positioned as the most advanced model, contrasting with older-looking trucks and cars above it. The Auburn Automobile Company manufactured Cord vehicles in Indiana.