Valvoline invented motor oil in 1866, and they’ve been innovating on their original creation ever since. Two years ago, we told you all about the science behind Valvoline NextGen, the world’s first high performance recycled motor oil. The company has come a long way since it’s founder Dr. John Ellis stumbled upon motor oil when experimenting with crude to find medicinal applications. Valvoline was the first company to produce petroleum lubricant for steam engines running at high temperatures.

In the early 1900s, Valvoline was the only recommended motor oil for Ford’s Model T. Valvoline produced all-climate oil during the hot rod craze of the 1950s. In the 70s, Valvoline led the DIY charge and posted oil changing instructions on their bottles. In the 80s, as overhead cams and electronic fuel injection systems became all the rage, Valvoline responded with the first synthetic blend of motor oil that could withstand hotter engine temperatures. With more older cars on the road now than ever before, Valvoline developed MaxLife, which restores lost horsepower in cars with over 75,000 miles.

From 19th Century steam engine lubricants to 21st Century recycled motor oil, Valvoline has been an industry leader with an interesting history. Here’s what that 140 year history looks like in one minute:

Related Posts

  1. Valvoline Fan Poll and NextGen Oil Giveaway
  2. Valvoline NextGen Motor Oil Encourages You to Be Cool About Recycling
  3. The Valvoline NextGen Undercover Salesman Challenge
  4. Valvoline NASCAR Trip Recap
  5. More Daytona Recap – Valvoline NextGen Pit Stop