Shell is a British-Dutch oil and gas company and have for decades been prolific in their use of postersto promote the qualities of their motor oil. Motor Cycles, Aeroplanes, Ships, Horses, Skiers, and cars. In the case of this superb land speed record poster, fast cars, very fast cars, in fact, the fastest car in the world!
A Welsh engineer and racing car driver, Parry-Thomas had set his sights on taking the land speed record from the current holder Malcolm Campbell in the Bluebird. Parry-Thomas purchased a car, called the Higham Special, that was fitted with an American V-12 Liberty aero engine. After modifying it and painting it white with a blue frame, he christened the car “Babs”
An attempt at the land speed record was a perfect publicity opportunity for Shell who were keen to be involved and let everybody know it was their “Ordinary Grades of oil and petrol” that were being used in the attempt. In anticipation of J.G. Parry Thomas breaking the World Land Speed Record they produced this wonderfully evocative land speed record poster of “Babs” during the attempt. Parry Thomas did actually set a new record of 169.30mph/272.46kph on 27 April 1926, and returned the following day to improve it to 171.02mph/275.23kph at Pendine Sands.
Our posters are carefully and professionally created from vintage originals. Whilst great care is taken in the production of these posters, we also try to maintain a vintage feel, so there may be small imperfections, fold marks, scuffs, tears or marks that were part of the original poster master. If these do appear they should be visible on the larger views of the item on this listing. The originals of many of the posters we offer can cost many thousands of pounds, so whilst these posters look great, especially framed and mounted on a wall, they are intended as a fun, affordable reproductions and not intended fine art prints.
The 50x70cm version has been specially produced to be used in conjunction with Ikea’s 50x70cm Ribba picture frame which currently retails for around £12. So you can bag a bargain of print and poster for just £22.
