Vintage Petrol PUMPS
Vintage petrol pumps continue to captivate enthusiasts, and for Andy and Tim, they are a true passion.
With years of dedicated collecting behind them, this rust seeking-duo has uncovered hundreds of fascinating petroliana relics.
Their love for these nostalgic pieces not only showcases history also fuels their ongoing adventure in the world of vintage finds.
Join them as explore and celebrate the charm of these timeless treasures.
The Rise of the Petrol Pump:
Function, Design, and the Iconic Branded Globe
When the automobile first began rolling onto roads in the early 20th century, drivers faced a simple but pressing problem: where—and how—do you refuel? Early motorists often bought petrol in cans from general stores or pharmacies, a method that was slow, messy, and imprecise. As car ownership grew, so did the need for a dedicated, reliable way to deliver fuel.
This demand gave birth to the petrol pump—an invention that transformed refueling from a chore into a streamlined part of modern travel.
Early pumps appeared around the 1910s, evolving from basic hand-cranked dispensers (pictured left) into more sophisticated machines capable of measuring fuel accurately and safely. They quickly became a symbol of technological progress and convenience.
But petrol pumps didn’t stay purely functional for long. Fuel companies soon realized the power of branding, and the pump became one of their most valuable advertising stages. That’s when the illuminated glass globes appeared—those glowing, sculpted crowns perched atop pumps.
These globes served several important roles:
Visibility: In an age before neon signs and standardized forecourts, a glowing globe helped drivers spot fuel stations from a distance, especially at night.
Brand Identity: Companies like Shell, Texaco, and Mobil discovered that a distinctive globe acted as a beacon of trust and familiarity on the open road.
Design Appeal: Many globes were beautifully crafted—colored glass, strong typography, and sculptural shapes—all of which elevated a simple filling station into a visually memorable landmark.
By the 1920s and 1930s, the petrol pump had become an icon of roadside design—part utility, part marketing, part Americana (or its international equivalents). The combination of engineering, branding, and craftsmanship turned these fuel dispensers into pieces of industrial art.
Today, vintage petrol pumps and their glass globes are cherished collectibles, reminders of a time when even everyday infrastructure was designed with character, clarity, and style.
At Fergus & Gibbs we buy and sell unrestored petrol pumps. This enables us to retain the charm of rust and patina.
Here are some we have unearthed.
Gilbarco
This was the first pump that Fergus and Gibbs found. It was nestled near a farm building near Holt, Norfolk.
It displayed the ESSO brand in the glass windows and was painted grey/black which was probably because it was on a farm, not on a forecourt.
Avery Hardoll AH101
At 169.5 cm (5ft 6 3/4" ) tall the Avery Hardoll AH101 was introduced in the 1950s.
This model was superseeded by the Model 'S' which was approx 6 inches smaller.
Avery Hardoll 3000
Avery Hardoll 3000 series, circa 1960-70s, vintage petrol pump in BP livery.
Note the evolving style change which excluded the glass globe which had been a prominent feature in past years.
Wayne Numerator 505
1950s Wayne Numerator 505.
Hunting Vintage Petrol Pumps
Join Andy and Tim on 'Hunting Vintage Petrol Pumps' and travel across the UK in search of rusty relics.
Not only will you see some fantistic old pumps, but you'll meet some collectors and pump enthusiasts.
Filming in 2025 is planned to start in November, so keep an eye out for new episodes.