As much as the automobile has changed since the days of the horseless
carriage, one thing has remained the same – they all run on gasoline.
But gasoline today is far different from the gasoline that was used
decades ago, as Jerry Heasley wrote in his Half-Hour History of
gasoline in August 1982. From a nearly worthless byproduct
of oil refining to a complex cracked fuel full of additives, gasoline
has steadily evolved alongside the automobile.
"By 1908, gasoline had become a primary product of refining,
and Texaco became the first 'gasoline' company, because they were the first
major to refine and sell more motor fuel than any other petroleum product. Meanwhile,
demand for kerosene was declining, as the electric light gained in popularity.
Then, on October 1, 1908, Henry Ford announced his Model T, and a real thirst
for gasoline was about to develop. A sign on the side of a horse-drawn tank
wagon of the era spelled out these prophetic words: One day you will own a
horseless carriage. Our gasoline will run it. Gilmore Oil Company."
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Re: Half-Hour History of Gasoline
