Sternol

Recommendations: The chart applicable to the chosen make of oil will show you with which grade to fill your car’s sump. In general it can be said that the majority of cars use engine oil of SAE 20 rating in winter, SAE 30 in summer, in this country. Exceptions include the Vauxhall Wyvern, which likes SAE 20 both winter and summer, SAE 30 only under tropical conditions; the Fiat 1,400 and Simca Aronde which use SAE 30 in winter, SAE 40 in summer, and American-type engines such as Chrysler, Chevrolet, Ford Consul, etc, which favour SAE 20 the English year round. Air-cooled engines like SAE 40 or, if “hot-stuff,” SAE 50. SAE 10 is of restricted use, for really cold climates. For racing engines there are the castor-base lubricants or in mineral oils SAE 50 or 60. It is usually said to be inadvisable to mix oils of different makes but CC Wakefield & Co Ltd, do not adhere to this view. Castor-base lubricants, however, must not be mixed with mineral oils and are intended for engines which are stripped reasonably frequently for cleaning and decarbonising. The prices per gallon tin are quoted as a basis of comparison; note that an appreciable saving can be achieved by purchasing from bulk supplies. We take no responsibility for fluctuation in prices.

Sternol Limited

Sternol, Limited, was formed as a public company in 1928 to deal in the United Kingdom and Empire, with the growing volume of trade which had been built up by Sterns Limited, since 1886.

Their experience in motor lubrication dates from the earliest days of motoring. Pioneers in this field will remember the oil that” Makes Engines Purr Like Pussies” and the famous Heavy Ambroleum which “clings to the teeth.” [And the famous “Spot the Sternol £5 Flag” advertising campaign !—Ed] In those early days, oil and greases were supplied for trials and racing, and many successes, then and in the years to come, were scored with Sternol products, notably at Brooklands prior to the 1914-18 war.

Continuous research since the pioneer days of motoring has enabled Sternol Limited, to provide the motorist with lubricants of the highest quality and performance to meet the needs of the modern car. As an example of the way in which the benefits of experience and research are passed on quickly to the motorist, this company has marketed an oil since 1946, incorporating a multi-functional chemical additive. This additive is designed to increase the resistance to oxidation, to keep the engine clean by mild detergent properties and to prevent corrosion. This series of engine lubricants is known by the trade name of Sternol WW, and is marketed in the usual SAE ratings. Extra light grades to SAE 5W and 10W are included. Sternol WW grades are available in the novel container known as the “Alibag,” in both pints and quarts. It is claimed to be the most satisfactory of all small-size containers. A patented opening device permits easy and accurate filling of any sump.

Publications.—”First Aid for your Car,” “Lubrication Service Record Book,” etc.

Address.—Sternol Ltd., Royal London House, Finsbury Square, London, EC2.

Works.—London, Bradford, Keighley.

Vigzol

The Vigzol Oil Co Ltd, was founded in 1919 by Percy Bilton, the first works were situated at Ormskirk, a market town in Lancashire. The first world war had given a great impetus to the advance of mechanisation on farms, roads and in the air. In the postwar years there came an increase in the numbers and types of vehicles which achieved much higher speeds and carried considerably heavier loads. Oil was to be had in plenty but its suitability for some particular purposes was causing concern to engineers and scientists alike. Ormskirk is set in the heart of some of England’s finest agricultural land, and it was natural, therefore, that the company should pay particular attention to the development of lubricants specifically suited to agricultural machinery. New production facilities were established in 1928 at Greenwich. Twenty years later, in 1948, the company acquired a new works situated at Manhattan Wharf on the Thames side. The very latest oil processing plant has been installed and here the Company’s main laboratories are situated.

During the first half of this present century most of the oil companies whose names are now well known were formed. Some started with little financial background but none as humbly as Vigzol. The foundation stones of Vigzol were hard work and enterprise backed by an honest desire to provide better and better lubricants. No foreign capital or interests have ever been associated with Vigzol. The company developed its sales in one field—agriculture—to an extent where it claims to lubricate the majority of farm machinery. It is also approved by leading motor car and commercial vehicle manufacturers, and has been chosen to lubricate the BRM. Raymond Mays also used Vigzol, of as low a viscosity as SAE 30 and 40, in his ERA during 1948; Moss employed it in the Kieft 500. Other famous users include Allard, Chiron, Parnell, Walker, and the late Joe Fry. Vigzol light-bodied oils are chemically processed to give high film-strength.

Address.—The Vigzol Oil Co Ltd, Vigzol House, Greenwich, SE10.

Works.—Greenwich and Ormskirk.

Publicity Manager.–D Hilton.

Competitions Manager.—RE Rhodes.

Notwen

In 1880, the firm of Messrs Ernest Newton & Co, of Holt Street, Heneage Street, and Woodcock Street, Birmingham 7, was founded by Mr. Ernest Newton, later assisted by his sons, Ernest and Horace. Over 50 years ago Mr Ernest Jnr, recognised the possibilities in the lubricating oil industry, and today Notwen oil is one of the best known lubricants in the Midlands, and motor sporting circles in all parts of England.

In 1944, after the death of his father, the third Ernest Newton— Mr Ernest John Newton—took over the direction of the firm in co-operation with his uncle, Mr Horace Newton, and, in post-war years, as “Jack” Newton, established himself as a successful racing motorist in the Midlands.

Notwen Oils claim that their product is of the highest quality, and the performances of the many private owners, who won over 1,000 awards in 1951, give good grounds for this claim.

Publications.—Annnal Fixture List (1952 edition now out of print).

Address.—Ernest Newton & Co Ltd, Faraday Chemical Works, Holt Street, Birmingham 7 (Aston Cross 1355).

Works.–Birmingham.

Competition Manager.—D Wise.