Foden FG Cylindrical Tanker National Benzole

Oxford’s 1:148 scale Foden FG 8 wheel lorry has drawn a variety of trailers previously, from dropsides to flatbeds, drays to oval tankers. And here is another variation – the cylindrical tanker – as operated by National Benzole, an important UK petroleum brand founded in 1919.

With the growth of the private motor car industry and the need for petrol stations, National Benzole took over service station outlets, notably on the A1, formerly operated by the AA and proceeded to smarten up its image. Their famous logo Mr Mercury with his winged helmet was introduced in 1928 and continued as their ‘mascot’ even when the company became known as National, dropping the Benzole. With not much external competition in the supply of motor fuel, National Benzole grew extensively and it had close links with BP for fuel supply, which in later years resulted in it being ultimately subsumed into the petroleum giant’s empire in the 1990s. However, its yellow and black livery which then changed to yellow and blue, was very well known nationally in the years between.

The tanker, registered SLD 505, is painted in bright yellow with black National Benzole Mixture lettering. The colourful Royal Crest appears on the cab doors which would indicate a ‘By Appointment’ link, while the distinctive Mr Mercury is printed on the back of the tanker, the sides and even on both front wings of the cab, complete with winged helmet. The ladder, walkway and tank caps are all silver as are the distinctive Foden radiator grille and cab window surrounds. The remaining external trim is black and the cab interior is also black.

This evocative little model will rekindle memories many older collectors will have of National Benzole, which operated throughout the UK from the immediate post-war period onwards.