I first saw this picture on facebook page, here: http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=327080537338010&set=a.249775228401875.58533.156624514383614&type=1&theater Unknown author.
This was part of an ad in the 1906 (thus public domain) Pullman Herald newspaper. The ad (which was actually for a not so famous car named the "Reo Touring Car") said the car cost $1350, in the money of the time. Top speed 35 miles per hour. Wow!
This symbol is part of a set originally created by Emily Read. It was published in The Pavement magazine, a periodical for the homeless community in London. The symbols are an up to date version of a traditional form of communication used by the homeless. Emily has kindly given her permission for the symbols to shared on Openclipart. Original at http://www.thepavement.org.uk/story.php?story=130