Esso and the Oil Drop Boys: Forgotten Mascots of the Golden Age of Advertising
Esso's Iconic Mascots Lighting Up Service and Gas Stations Throughout the Golden Age of Advertising
A Nostalgic Look Back
Back in the mid-20th century, road
side branding wasn’t just about logos—it was about personalities. Much like Sinclair had its dinosaur and Mobil had Pegasus, Esso introduced its own pair of animated spokes characters: the cheery Oil Drop Boys. These anthropomorphic droplets—with arms, legs, and smiling faces—were designed to make oil feel approachable and dependable.
Who Were the Oil Drop Boys?
Though collectors refer to them as the Esso Oil Drop Boys, they typically appeared as a duo—one clearly male, the other female (with features like eyelashes, a ribbon, or a skirt). Despite that, the name “Oil Drop Boys” stuck in the U.S., perhaps as a catchy shorthand that collectors embraced even as the characters themselves evolved into a pair.
Part of a Broader Advertising Trend
The Oil Drop Boys were far from the only mascots aiming to humanize industrial brands. The 1950s and 60s were rife with cartoonish mascots, each aiming to stand out on the open road. Which brings us to what’s coming next in our blog series…
A Teaser for Next Time
While Esso had its friendly oil drops, other brands leaned into different vibes—like the tough-but-talkative Bear Wheel Alignment Mascot, or the slick, smiley Easy Used Cars salesman.
These characters, too, played into trust, value, and familiarity in different ways—and they each have tales that deserve their own spotlight.
Read more about why gas stations were filled with character and joing us for a deep dive into how these mascots shaped consumer trust in car care, and why they’ll always hold a special place in American's hearts instilling nostalgia and pride while honoring and preserving the traditions and recreating priceless Americana.
Why This Captivates Collectors Today
- Depth of Story: Esso’s mascots represent more than just marketing—they reflect a time when brands used creativity to forge emotional bonds with drivers. Featuring them unlocks nostalgia and narrative together.
- Visual Appeal: If you want to shop all neon, you can head over to our collection here: Shop All Neon. Want something with a dramatic silhouette? Check out our Die-Cut Neon Signs—contour-cut, eye-catching pieces built like the originals: Die-Cut Neon Signs.
- Featured Product: One of our centerpiece pieces is the Neon Esso Couple Die Cut Happy Motoring car, a stunning representation of the Oil Drop duo, crafted with porcelain enamel and real neon, complete with its original-style can. Or you can see the matched left and right neon statues that range in several sizes here: Neon Esso Couple Die Cut.
If you’re looking to browse Esso- or Mobil items more broadly, our whole collection is ready for you: Mobil Esso Collection.
