Page 98 - Experience Magazine Spring 2022

them that they were receiving exactly the gasoline manufacturer and serve
what they were paying for,” Brinkman as a safe place to stop and refuel on
said. He added that the pumps also the dimly lit streets for travelers.
allowed customers to see the clarity The most sought-after and valuable
of the gasoline. At the time, motorists of them all, however, are inevitably
were becoming increasingly aware that those colossal visible gas pumps.
pollutants in gasoline would harm You’re likely to see only one or two
their engine. at each auction due to their scarcity.
Each pump had a manual lever The Las Vegas auction will feature a
you’d pull back and forth to pump spectacular Gulf Oil example.
the gas out of the underground tank Truly a testament to our motoring
into the cylinder; using a release past, visible gas pumps stand large
valve, the gas flowed by gravity with a fascinating history.
down the hose into the car.
– Nicole Ellan James
“Visible gas pumps are most often For the complete Automobilia Auction docket,
associated with the Brass and Golden visit Barrett-Jackson.com
eras of motoring,” Brinkman said.
“The most elegant gas pumps are
considered those created during the
wealthy and opulent Roaring ’20s,
exemplifying the period’s taste.”
When stand-alone gas stations popped
up across the country, different
businesses vied to attract customers
away from their competitors by
catering to the needs of the motorists.
They knew that many car owners were
not mechanically inclined and needed
assistance to keep their vehicles on the
road. Filling stations hired mechanics
and provided customers with car
maintenance and other routine
services. Not only did a gas station
attendant fill your gas tank for you, but
they checked your oil, filled your tires,
and cleaned your windshield.

Since art deco was the hottest design
trend of the 1920s and 1930s, many
gas stations featured this look. In a
nod to modern times, they also had
many neon signs. Vintage gas station
memorabilia have become sought-
after collectibles.
During Barrett-Jackson’s Automobilia From left to right:
Auctions, there are often several Lot #8282 - 1923 Gulf Oil Rapid Dayton Gas Pump
colorful and ornate gasoline pumps, Lot #8271 - 1960s AO Smith Model 485 Gas Pump
topped by globes that help advertise Lot #7274 - Late 1940s Mobil Oil MS 80 Gas Pump

98 BARRETT-JACKSON EXPERIENCE SUMMER 2022