Stockist Locator
THE DUCKHAMS STORY
Duckhams, the British oil brand, is well known and respected by classic car enthusiasts for it’s high quality, green coloured motor oils. Many of the iconic car manufacturers that built the classic cars of today recommended the use of Duckhams lubricants in their engines and drivelines. The 10th November 2017 marked the return of the new and improved Classic range; when we re-launched at the NEC Classic Motor Show.
THE DUCKHAMS STORY
ALEXANDER DUCKHAMS
Alexander Duckham, was an English chemist and businessman who in 1899 founded Alexander Duckham & Co, in Millwall, England.
Relocating from Millwall to Hammersmith in 1921, he dedicated a lifetime to solving technological problems relating to lubrication and produced the first multigrade oil for motorists; which by 1967 Duckhams was regarded the largest independent lubrication oil company in the UK.
Alexander Duckham was famously an early aviation pioneer and close friend of cross-channel aviator Louis Blériot. Duckham accompanied the French aviator in 1909 in the first powered cross-channel flight and the following year broke the British altitude record, reaching a height of 1,600 feet.
THE DUCKHAMS STORY
Q20W-50
In 1951 the decision was made that the multigrade oil was the oil of the future. The famous Q20-50, with its distinctive green colour, could be used universally in all forms of transport and motorsport.
Today, we have relaunched the Classic oil that transformed lubricant technology forever. You can shop our new and improved (still green) Classic range here.
THE DUCKHAMS STORY
ALDRIDGE WORKS
To cope with the demand of motorists desire to give their car engine the utmost care, a new manufacturing plant was opened in Aldridge, Staffordshire in 1968. The previous home of Duckhams in Hammersmith was later turned into Thames Wharf Studios and famous Michelin star River Café.
THE DUCKHAMS STORY
TRIED AND TESTED
There was never a more sophisticated engine oil back in the day. Team Surtees carried out an RAC observed test at Silverstone, using Duckhams oil purchased from a garage by the RAC scrutineer. The test was over 201.96 miles at an average speed of 123.8mph, and the engine was subsequently dismantled and pronounced to be in a totally satisfactory condition.
THE DUCKHAMS STORY
RACING DAYS
This sparked an increased involvement in motorsport that was to cover Grand Prix support for Team Surtees, Team Lotus, Graham Hill, Embassy and Hesketh. Also, Van Diemen and their Formula Fords have been a success story in their working relationship over the years.
If you list the names of drivers who have had support in their early years, it reads like a Who’s Who: Hill, Coulthard, Irvine, Mansell, Brundle and Senna, to name just a few on four wheels. On two wheels, Paul Smart, John Cooper, Ray Pickerell, Dave Crockford – and we mustn’t forget the 1995 British Championship winning rotary-engined Duckhams Norton.
THE DUCKHAMS STORY
TODAY
By combining our experience of over 110 years of oil production with modern blending technology, every green drop of Duckhams Oil will give your classic engine extra protection, in all conditions, helping you keep your cherished classic running beautifully.
To celebrate the return of Duckhams, we launched three classic oils, including the Collector’s Edition Q20w-50 in the style of the cans people loved and remembered from that period.
THE ENGINES CHOICE
Subscribe to our mailing list for the latest updates.
If your classic has a full-flow oil filter fitted (i.e. a disposable cartridge or spin-on filter as with many post -1960 vehicles), then Duckhams Classic Q 20W-50 is the mineral oil choice for your car. Duckhams Classic Q20W-50 was the period manufacturer recommendation for the vast majority classic marques. If your classic car handbook specifies a 20W-50 grade, then Duckhams is the premium choice.Purchase Classic Q20w-5010w-40 being launched in April 2019.
Vintage vehicle applications.If your car has a strainer-type filter, predominantly found on older and pre-war vehicles, and has not had a full flow, cartridge or spin-on type filter retro-fitted, then your choice is Duckhams Classic SAE 40 (for summer) or SAE 30 for winter. These low detergent monogrades are also the choice for many classic air-cooled engines such as those found on VWs. Purchase Classic SAE30 or Classic SAE40
It’s not just engine oil we can help you with.Duckhams Classic range also includes gear oils, brake fluid and an anti-ethanol corrosion additive specifically designed to prevent ethanol corrosion protection in classic cars, particularly with the introduction of E10 (10% ethanol-content fuels.Please also refer to our classic product section here
ADDED TO BASKET