A look into the history of one of the most famous gas icons in the world – The Mobil Pegasus. Where did it come from and what happened to it?
The brand’s iconic Pegasus logo is a representation of its soaring ambition and commitment to pushing boundaries in technological advancements.
Today Mobil is part of Exxon and a huge producer of gas and oil for the entire planet. But if we look back into history, an interesting story unfolds.
Vacuum Oil
The origins of the Pegasus imagery go back to 1866 with Vacuum Oil.
Vacuum Oil was an American lubrication and oil company founded in Rochester NY. They were best known for their Gargoyle steam cylinder motor oil that would also later be optioned by Mobil in their branding as well.
Vacuum was bought by Standard Oil in 1879
in 1911 the Vacuum Oil company changed their logo from the Gargoyle to the Pegasus trademark above.
There is some indication that it was the Mobil Sekiyu division in Japan that first coloured the Pegasus logo in the now iconic red.
A history of breakups and mergers
In 1911 the US Supreme Court ruled that Standard Oil was to be dissolved into 43 companies, Vacuum being one of them. In 1931 Vacuum Oil and Socony merged. The pegasus – a symbol of speed and power – was adopted as the trademark of the two companies.
Robert Elmer designed the iconic modern version of the Pegasus we know today in the 1930’s, and has been tweaked ever since.
Mobil Gas featuring the Pegasus imagery was their top selling product.
In 1963 Socony rebranded as Mobil. Their gas stations were some of the first to have uniformed employees, and offer automotive services.
Mobil Pegasus Stations
The first “circle stations” (or “Pegasus stations”) appeared in 1967; they were “designed for highway beautification as well as operating efficiency”. “Steel-and-plastic canopies, which provide shelter from rain and hot sun”, were accompanied by “cylindrical gasoline pumps” and “oil display units”.
Modern Mobil Logos
In 1955 the first Mobil logo was drafted. It maintained the Pegasus as a small feature, but focus shifted into the more modern typography. In 1964 Chermayeff & Geismar redesigned the logo even further into the logo we see today, dropping the Pegasus for good.
Paying Tribute
Luckily we have created some iconic hats that pay tribute to the various logos Mobil has used over the years, including the Pegasus.
We’re launching three Mobil Pegasus hats featuring authentic vintage patches. You can snag them on September 5th at 8PM EST. Browse our site below to see past Mobil designs that might still be available.
Lost and Foundry 