Vintage Shell Rotella T SAE 40 Motor Oil Can - One Quart
- Full/Unopened - 1980s
This is a vintage Shell Rotella T SAE 40 one-quart motor
oil can. Based on the composite cardboard-and-metal construction and the
specific API service ratings on the label, here is the complete breakdown for
your eBay listing.
Item Identification & History
• Era: Circa late 1970s to early 1980s.
• Material: "Composite" can (cardboard/fiber
body with tin/metal end caps).
• API Service Ratings: The label lists API SE, SF (for
gasoline) and CC, CD (for diesel). Since the "SF" rating was
introduced in 1979 and "SG" replaced it in 1989, this can was
manufactured during that ten-year window.
• Significance: Rotella T has long been the flagship
"heavy-duty" oil for Shell, often used in diesel trucks and tractors,
making it a popular "automobilia" or "gasiana" collectible.
eBay Listing Description
Title: Vintage Shell Rotella T SAE 40 Motor Oil Can - One
Quart - Full/Unopened - 1980s
Description:
Up for sale is a vintage, unopened one-quart can of Shell
Rotella T SAE 40 Heavy Duty Motor Oil. This is the classic
"composite" style can with a cardboard body and metal top/bottom.
Condition: Vintage unopened condition. The label is
bright with some light shelf wear/scuffs. Top has minor surface oxidation
(rust) consistent with age (see photos). No leaks.
Ratings: API Service SF, SE, CC, CD.
Brand: Shell Oil Company, Houston, Texas.
Size: 1 U.S. Quart / 0.946 Liters.
Great addition to any gas station memorabilia collection
or for display in a vintage garage. Sold as a collectible only; not recommended
for use in modern engines due to age.
This is NOS
In the world of reselling—especially for automotive parts
and collectibles—NOS stands for New Old Stock.
Here is why that term is specifically used for this oil
can:
• New: The item has never been used, opened, or
"installed." In your case, it means the factory seal is intact and
the oil is still inside.
• Old: The item was manufactured many years ago (in this
case, roughly 40+ years ago) and is no longer in production.
• Stock: It is original inventory that likely sat on a
shelf in a garage, auto shop, or warehouse for decades without ever being sold
to a consumer.
Why sellers use "NOS" on eBay:
• Collector Appeal: Collectors of "gasiana"
(gas station memorabilia) value NOS items because they represent the product
exactly as it looked on the shelf in the 1980s.
• Condition Assurance: It tells the buyer the can hasn't
been refilled or tampered with.
• Search Visibility: Many high-end collectors search
specifically for "NOS" to find the highest quality items for their
displays.
Since this can is unopened and appears to be in its
original state, listing definitely includes "NOS" or "New Old
Stock" in your title. It signals to serious buyers that this is a
"survivor" piece.
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Please study the pictures and do your research on this
item. Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions.
Keep in mind the shipping price also covers all handling
fees, packaging materials & time, not just postage.
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and photograph every item.
Please refer to the pictures for more details; review all
pictures and ask all legitimate questions before purchasing. We always post
pictures of actual items up for sale, so what you see on our showcase is what
you will receive!
Please scan and zoom in on all pictures so you can see
complete details and overall quality.
See ALL photos for they are PART of the description and
the ACTUAL item you will receive.
Great addition to your collection or give as a fabulous
gift for your loved ones!
As fellow collectors, we always make sure to pack with
extra care for safe journey.
Please review my feedback and buy with confidence.
Please feel free to contact me for further
assistance! Thank you and have a great day!
Thank you for looking and please don't hesitate to
contact me.
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