Life, 1929-05-17 · page 51 of 52
Life — May 17, 1929 — page 51: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This is **not a political cartoon or satire**, but rather a straight automobile advertisement from *Life* magazine (likely 1920s era, based on styling and prices). The page promotes the "Superior Whippet," a light car manufactured by Willys-Overland of Toledo, Ohio. The advertisement highlights: - **"Finger-tip control"**: A steering wheel button that operates the starter, lights, and horn—marketed as a modern safety and convenience feature - **Performance claims**: The new engine provides 20% more horsepower than its predecessor - **Style and design**: Longer bodies, distinctive colors, and full-crown fenders - **Affordability**: Four-cylinder models starting at $535; six-cylinder at $695 The advertisement targets middle-class buyers seeking reliable, affordable transportation with modern conveniences. The inset photograph shows the steering wheel control mechanism—the era's technological innovation. There is no satire or hidden political message; this is period advertising aimed at demonstrating the Whippet's superiority in a competitive market.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
Pp SUCCESS , R ECORD SALES ! SAFETY AND CONVENIENCE nas ox . OF “FINGER-TIP CONTROL” PLUS SINGERS EIP \CONEROL GREATER BEAUTY AND LARGER BODIES, One button, in center of steering wheel, WIN TREMENDOUS PUBLIC ACCEPTANCE FOR controls starter, lights and horn. Simple design; easy operation. No wires in stecr- ALL WHIPPET FOUR AND SIX CYLINDER MODELS ing post. You can kecp your foot on brake when starting or re-starting on hill. All Willys-Overland sales records are broken as the new Superior Whippet’s ever-growing tide of popu- larity sweeps the country. Thousands of new owners are responding tothe appeal of the unprecedented value offered by this finest and most modern of light cars. The longer bodies, smarter lines, higher radiator and hood, more distinctive colors and one-piece full-crown fenders of the new Superior Whippet make it the style authority in its class. In sustained speed, dashing pick-up and brute power, the Superior Whippet is so far ahead that it surpasses even its own predecessor. A new higher compression engine gives more than 20% added horsepower. And Whippet’s dependable performance and low operating costs result in complete owner satisfaction, WILLYS-OVERLAND, INC., TOLEDO, OHIO i 6-CYLINDER COACH 4-CYLINDER COACH With 7-Bearing Crankshafe Whippet Four Coupe 8550; 4-passenger Coupe $580; Roadster $500; 4-passenger Roadster $330; ww Collegiate Roadster $595; Touring § $515; DeLuxe Sedan $693; Chassis $380. Whippet Six Sedan $760; Coupe $675; Coupe (with rumble seat) $725; Sport De Luxe Road- ster $850 (including rumble seat an] extras); De Lae Sedan $820. All prices f. 0. b. Totedo, and ¢; ject to chai a FOURS SIXES comicbooks.com