July 30, 1898 – The First Automobile Magazine Ad

On July 30, 1898, The Winton Motor Carriage Company, of Cleveland Ohio placed the first magazine advertisement for an automobile in Scientific American. Containing bold words stating “DISPENSE WITH A HORSE” the ad contained an image of a husband and wife dressed in formal clothes driving an open top motor vehicle with additional text that read “and save the expense, care, and anxiety of keeping it. To run a motor carriage costs about 1/2 cent a mile. The Winton Motor Carriage is the best vehicle of its kind that is made. It is handsomely, strongly and yet lightly constructed and elegantly finished. Easily managed . Speed from 8 to 20 miles an hour. The hydrocarbon motor is simple and powerful. No odor, no vibration, Suspension Wire Wheels. Pneumatic Tires. Ball Bearings. Price $1,000. No Agents. Send for Catalogue.