A Popular Science ad. The Buffamobile was indeed used by the Army and Navy, but only towards the end of WW2, when a secret branch of the government investigated necromantic weaponry. Note the name of the book: “Motor’s Auto Repair Manual.”  It seems like flagrant comma abuse, but no: Motor was, an is, a famous magazine.

It still makes no sense. If you're being "buffalo-ed" by repairs, then the car shouldn't be going. It seems to be doing quite nicely in buffalo form. But as another Motor's ad show's, you can slaughter the car once it's finished, and have it for dinner.