THE “MECHANICAL CARRIAGE”

Southland Times, Issue 23538, 18 June 1938, Page 18

THE “MECHANICAL CARRIAGE”

A GLANCE BACKWARDS An English motor journal, The Light Car, recently published a reproduction of one of the first car advertisements that appeared in the world, and needless to say there is a wide gulf between the car advertisement of 42 years ago and that of today, not only in presentstion but also in the sales talk used. The old advertisement, which appeared in an English paper in May 1896, is addressed to the “Nobility and Gentry,” and goes on to say: “The Great Horseless Carriage Co. Ltd., has the honour to present the Daimler Wagonette. This novel vehicle is propelled by an internal combustion engine of two cylinders and six horsepower, relying on petroleum for its motive force. The mechanical carriage will attain the comfortable speed of 12 miles an hour on the level, while hills can be ascended and descended in safety. The Daimler Wagonette is admirably suited to the needs of the sportsman and lover of the countryside, giving as it does full facilities for enjoyment of fresh air and an uninterrupted view of the scenery” (a windscreen was undreamt of in those days). The announcement concluded by referring to “a new mode of transport that has undoubtedly come to stay”—a prediction long since justified and reflected in the fact that the peoples of the world are today using 42 million motor-cars.