Claude Cox, graduate of Rose Polytechnic Institute (which
later would become Rose-Hullman Institute of Technology) founded Overland while
working at Standard Wheel Company of Terre Haute, IN. Later he moved the
company to Indianapolis and in 1908 the company was bought up by John North Willys
and renamed Willys-Overland in 1912. The Overland nameplate continued
production until 1926 when it was replaced by Willys Whippet. Now all that
remains of Overland are the chimneys of its former Toledo Ohio factory with the
company's moniker laid in brick.
The ad itself seems to focus on the word "standpoint" an
awful lot, an odd word to build advertising copy around. The picture's a little
odd too. The fellow wearing the Overland name on his head seems to be staring
at some distant point to the right of the car and waving as if he's a stranded.
Not exactly an image that makes me want to buy that car. The woman seems to have given up on her hapless fellow
and taken to looking for the next passing Greyhound.
1 comment:
The later Willys-Overland would also be the father of The Jeep, which several variations of the line are still manufactured here in Toledo.
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