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1947-1948 RPM DELO LUBRICATING OIL 5 GALLON OIL PAIL

1947-1948 RPM DELO LUBRICATING OIL 5 GALLON OIL PAIL

$250.00
$250.00
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A vintage 

1947–1948 RPM Delo (often misread as "Delco") 5-gallon oil pail  

 
RPM famous brand of motor oil developed by Standard Oil of California (Socal), which eventually became Chevron
*** Two dents as pointed out in photos ***

  • The Name: "RPM" originally stood for RPM Diesel Engine Lubricating Oil.
  • 1935 Launch: Standard Oil of California introduced the first compounded diesel engine oil in 1935. Before this, high-speed diesel engines were difficult to maintain because straight mineral oils couldn't handle the heat and pressure without frequent engine overhauls.
  • Wartime Innovation (1941): During WWII, Socal developed RPM Delo Special Motor Oil. It was adopted by the US Navy for its submarine fleet, tripling their cruising range by extending the time needed between engine overhauls.

Post-War Expansion (1945–1950s)
  • Consumer Shift: After the war, the technology was adapted for passenger cars. RPM motor oils were officially introduced to the general consumer market in 1950.
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