160 miles per hour poster – Rare 1926 Shell Oil & Petrol print
Shell’s Speed Triumph: The 160 miles per hour poster and the legend of “Babs”
The roar of a 27-litre Liberty L-12 aero engine, the stark white of a modified Higham Special against the inky black of Pendine Sands, and the bold proclamation of “160 miles per hour” – these elements combine to create the captivating Shell 160 miles per hour poster, a testament to a golden era of British motorsport. This poster, commissioned by the Shell Oil Company, was a celebration of a national achievement, a moment when the audacity of a Welsh engineer and the reliability of everyday fuel coalesced into a world record.
On April 27th, 1926, John Parry-Thomas, a man driven by ambition and engineering brilliance, took his magnificent machine, affectionately known as “Babs,” to the windswept sands of Pendine. His goal: to wrest the land speed record from the formidable Malcolm Campbell. Shell, ever astute to the power of association, recognised the perfect opportunity to showcase the quality of their products. The Shell 160 miles per hour poster was born, a visual symphony of speed and power, immortalising the moment Parry-Thomas pushed the boundaries of human endeavour.
The Power of Ordinary: Shell’s Winning Formula
What made this achievement truly remarkable, and what Shell so keenly emphasised, was the fuel powering “Babs.” The strapline, “Exactly the same qualities as sold in all public garages,” resonated deeply with the British public. It wasn’t a specially concocted, high-octane brew reserved for elite racing drivers. It was the same ordinary grade of Shell Oil and Petrol that fueled the everyday motorist. This message, central to the Shell 160 miles per hour poster, was a masterstroke of marketing, demonstrating the reliability and performance of Shell’s products under the most extreme conditions.
The poster itself is a work of art. Thomas’s white Higham Special, a stark contrast against the deep black backdrop, conveys a sense of raw power and relentless motion. The simplicity of the design, coupled with the bold “160 miles per hour” proclamation, captures the essence of the record-breaking feat. Shell, a British-Dutch giant with a long history of impactful advertising, understood the power of visual storytelling. From motorcycles and aeroplanes to horses and skiers, their posters have always been evocative and memorable. In this instance, they harnessed the allure of the fastest car in the world, a symbol of technological prowess and national pride.
From Higham Special to “Babs”: A Legend Forged in Speed
Parry-Thomas, a visionary engineer and skilled driver, had meticulously prepared for his assault on the land speed record. He acquired the Higham Special, a formidable machine powered by a 27-litre Liberty L-12 aero engine, and transformed it into his own masterpiece. He painted it white, added a striking blue frame, and christened it “Babs.” This transformation, coupled with his unwavering determination, set the stage for his historic run at Pendine Sands.
Shell’s strategic involvement was crucial. They understood that associating their brand with such a high-profile event would elevate their reputation and solidify their position as a leading fuel provider. The Shell 160 miles per hour poster was a testament to their foresight, capturing the excitement and drama of the record attempt.
Indeed, Parry-Thomas didn’t just reach 160 miles per hour. He surpassed it, achieving a new record of 169.30mph on April 27th, 1926, and then pushing it further to 171.02mph the following day. These feats, immortalised by the Shell 160 miles per hour poster, cemented his place in motorsport history and solidified Shell’s reputation as a brand synonymous with performance and reliability. The legacy of “Babs” and the iconic poster continues to inspire, a reminder of the relentless pursuit of speed and the power of ordinary fuel to achieve extraordinary feats.
Owning a Shell 160 miles per hour poster
The original Shell 160 miles per hour posters, relics of a bygone era, are now highly sought-after collector’s items, their rarity increasing with each passing year. Finding an authentic original can be a costly and challenging endeavour. However, for those captivated by the history and artistry of this iconic piece, we offer a solution.
Our high-quality reproduction posters are carefully crafted to capture the essence of the original artwork, preserving the vibrant colours, sharp details, and historical charm that make the Shell 160 miles per hour poster so compelling. These reproductions allow enthusiasts to own a piece of motorsport history without breaking the bank, providing an affordable way to adorn their walls with a stunning tribute to John Parry-Thomas and the remarkable achievement powered by Shell’s ordinary fuel.
