This Sinclair Refining promotional film, likely from the early to mid-1950s, is an advertisement that takes the form of a 14-minute film about a disagreement between friends. When one friend accuses the other friend of selling him a car that’s a lemon, the friendship turns sour. However, he soon learns that if uses Sinclair gasoline and motor oil, the performance of his car will be much improved. The car’s mechanical issues were not about the car itself but about the fuel he was putting into the car! The film explains the great features of Sinclair “Power-X” gasoline and “Triple-X” motor oil. Sinclair Refining Company was an American oil company that made many promotional films such as this one during the 1950s. Prior to 1961, “Power X” was the company’s brand for high-octane fuel and “Sinclair H-C” for regular gas.
(00:10) Sinclair Refining Company presents Perfect Partners. Produced by Wilding Picture Productions, Inc.
(00:53) A group of friends joke around and chat after a round of golf. The foursome is now good friends but the friendship almost dissolved at one point because of a misunderstanding.
(02:17) One of the friends’ cars overheated and accused his friend of selling him a “lemon,” or a bad car.
(02:56) The friend responds that it is his fault for not taking better care of his care. He should have known to not put high-quality gasoline or oil into his car.
(05:32) A different friend takes him to the airport to illustrate the importance of putting good fuel into vehicles or airplanes. They watch as Sinclair Aircraft fuel and oil is used to service an American Airlines Douglas DC-6.
(06:20) Auto engines need top gasoline with the right octane and motor oil in order to perform at their best.
(06:53) Engines keep getting more powerful, as does the compression ratio. This requires higher octane.
(07:19) His friend draws a graph illustrating the importance of octane.
(07:39) He then draws a diagram of a car’s engine that demonstrates the importance of using high-quality insurance because ordinary oil is no longer suitable for cars.
(08:21) He claims using the wrong quality gas will lead to long-term mechanical issues with the car and the power will decline.
(09:12) An Eastern Airlines Lockheed Constellation’s engine is examined for wear.
(09:59) At a Sinclair gas station, the car is filled up with “Power-X.”
(10:14) The friend says that Power-X, made by Sinclair, is the best fuel money can buy.
(10:45) Extra-duty motor oil is particularly important to keep the engine clean. “Triple-X” can work in many different weather conditions.
(11:35) It keeps deposits out of the engine which is important in preventing mechanical issues.
(12:03) The Sinclair employee explains the importance of using both “Power-X” gasoline and “Triple-X” motor oil.
(13:01) The man decides to start treating his car right and taking it to Sinclair for gasoline and motor oil.
(13:25) He uses a pay phone to call his friend to apologize for accusing him.
(13:54) The friendship is restored.
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