Sinclair HC Pump – VSP1916
SINCLAIR HC GASOLINE PUMP — A PIECE OF AMERICAN ROAD HISTORY
Standing tall in Sinclair green and white, this vintage Tokheim HC gasoline pump is more than just a display piece — it’s a reminder of an era when America’s highways were expanding, service stations were neighborhood landmarks, and the Sinclair name was a trusted companion on the open road.
Description
The Sinclair Legacy
Founded in 1916, Sinclair Oil grew rapidly to become one of the most recognizable fuel brands in the United States. Its signature HC Gasoline — short for “High Compression” — was developed during the late 1930s and 1940s, when automobile engines were becoming more powerful and demanded cleaner, more efficient fuels. Sinclair stations became known for their bright green signage, distinctive round globes, and, of course, their friendly roadside service.
The Sinclair dinosaur mascot, introduced in the 1930s, became an icon of American advertising. Travelers could spot that green brontosaurus or the red-and-white HC globe from a distance, knowing a full-service station was just ahead.
Sinclair HC
Specifications:
- Type: Genuine Vintage Tokheim Gas Pump
- Gas Company: Sinclair
- Make: Tokheim Oil Tank & Pump Company
- Model: 36B
- Date Of Manufacture: 1934–1938
- Color: Green/White
- Dimensions: 92 Inches Tall By 21 Inches Wide By 18.5 Inches Deep
- Place Of Manufacture: Fort Wayne, Indiana, U.S.A.
- Condition: Fully Reconditioned By Previous Owner/Non-Working Condition With Working Lights As Pictured And Reproduction Capco Gas Glass Globe and Shell Premium Gasoline Sign Decal
Pump Design & Craftsmanship
The pump itself is built in the classic computing style, a mechanical innovation that transformed fueling in the mid-20th century. Earlier pumps required attendants to calculate fuel costs manually, but computing pumps featured visible dials and number wheels that displayed both gallons and price, making the fueling process faster, more accurate, and modern for the time.
The cabinet’s tall, narrow frame and side-mounted hose reflect the design trends of the 1940s and early 1950s. Decorative chrome trim and smooth steel panels gave these pumps a clean, industrial elegance that complemented Sinclair’s bold branding. The round illuminated HC globe perched on top served as both a beacon and a brand statement — shining brightly at night to attract motorists.
Restoration Story
This particular pump has been home-restored for display, preserving the charm and visual impact of the original design. The globe is a reproduction, carefully chosen to match Sinclair’s classic HC branding. The front and back Sinclair logos are vinyl stickers, recreating the original look in a clean, modern way.
Although it’s no longer used for dispensing fuel, the internal mechanisms remain partially intact, offering a glimpse at the clever mechanical engineering of its era. The restoration highlights its nostalgic beauty, making it a standout piece for display while honoring its working-class history.
Enduring Americana
Today, these pumps stand as powerful symbols of a bygone era — when road travel carried a sense of adventure, and service stations were more than just pit stops. They reflect a time of craftsmanship, innovation, and optimism that shaped the American automotive experience.
This Sinclair HC pump tells that story through its colors, shape, and mechanical soul — a tangible link to the golden age of the American road.
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ArtFactory.com & H.J. Nick Brass Tag Certification Details
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When we use the terms "Museum Quality" and "Historically Correct," we are indicating our world-class process. We absolutely preserve all original signs, badges, glass with anomalies, natural aged patinas, and everything that makes a vintage item collectible. Maintaining non-structural damage, all age, wear, and tear is proudly displayed to showcase each item's unique charm.
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