Life, 1929-02-08 · page 43 of 44
Life — February 8, 1929 — page 43: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This is a **Packard automobile advertisement**, not political satire. The page promotes Packard luxury cars through corporate messaging rather than humor or social commentary. The historical image at top depicts what appears to be a **medieval or Renaissance scene**—figures in period armor and dress—likely chosen to evoke tradition, craftsmanship, and enduring quality (the caption references "ability and achievement" winning "permanent place"). The lower half shows a **1920s-era Packard sedan**, a high-end automobile brand. The ad's strategy emphasizes that Packard maintains quality standards across its entire organization—from factory workers to salesmen to management. The tagline "Ask the man who owns one" was Packard's actual historical slogan. For modern readers: this reflects early automotive advertising that sold **lifestyle and organizational philosophy** rather than technical specifications—positioning Packard as a prestigious brand for discriminating buyers who valued craftsmanship and service, not just the product.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
PACKAR Ability and achievement have ever won permanent place in those organizations consecrated to one high ideal Packard men bear the imprint of the Packard organization. They are selected and schooled for but one quality of work and service. It shows, and it pays—both them and Packard. From skilled machinist to designing engineer, Packard cars are produced by men who know and love fine things— men brought up in the interpretation and application of quality ideals. From suburban dealer to manager of AS K THE M AN sales, Packard's clientele is served by men who uphold the Packard prin- ciples—men who know that the pat- ronage of the discriminating brooks no compromise with quality either in product or in service. For a single standard of high quality 1s ever uppermost in the minds of the Packard management—and the Packard organization is the guardian of a priceless reputation. WHO OWNS ON comicbooks.com