Classic Oils
was established in 2002, and since then has matured into a company offering a complete range of lubricants, coolants, fuel treatments and other consumables for all classic, veteran and vintage vehicles, including motorcycles, steam vehicles and earlier diesel engines.
In 2010 we opened a retail shop in Aylesbury, which enabled - for the first time - our wide range of products to be accessed and purchased without an appointment. We added e-commerce to this website in 2011, which enabled online purchasing for the first time.
During the summer of 2015, we opened premises at Bicester Heritage, an ex-RAF site which is now a centre of excellence for classic motoring and aviation. We launched our own label range with 'Heritage 20w50' to celebrate our presence at Bicester, and were appointed Penrite's Master Distributor for UK and Ireland in Decemeber 2016. In February 2017, the business moved solely to Bicester Heritage allowing us to concentrate our stocks and expertise in a single location.
The products stocked by
provide older engines with increased protection levels, more consistent oil pressure and reduced sludge deposits. In gearboxes and transmissions, a range of products is always stocked to suit every type of gear design and bearing material. Most importantly, knowledgeable advice is on hand to discuss difficult lubrication questions, specifically as they relate to older vehicles.
Companies that we are proud to represent include:
Modern engine lubricants often do not suit older vehicles since they are designed for fuel efficiency, emissions control and extended change intervals. Older vehicles were designed before the advent of this technology, and therefore they require oils specially blended to match their needs. When considering oil choices, the following factors should be borne in mind:
Historically, the anti-wear additive used in the majority of formulations was a zinc / phosphorous based compound known as ZDDP (Zincdialkyldithiophosphate). Unfortunately ZDDP has a detrimental effect on sensitive exhaust emission systems on modern cars, so it has been phased out by oil companies, while engine designs have been changed to accommodate the removal of ZDDP. These oils, while performing well in modern engines designed for them, can cause substantial and accelerated wear in older engines such as accelerated camshaft / cam follower wear.
Detergents are incorporated into all modern motor oil formulations and have been since the 1940's. Their function is to maintain engine cleanliness and they are also useful in combatting the effect of acid contamination of the crankcase oil caused by combustion by-products. In cars with restored engines, the use of an engine oil containing some level of detergent will not cause any problems. Non-detergent oils can be used either when an unknown oil is being replaced or where there is a likelihood that sludge has built up and risks damaging the engine if it is circulated. Owners of vehicles without full-flow oil filtration frequently express a preference for non-detergent oils.
4. Transmission matters
API GL-1, oils for light conditions. They consist of base oils without additives. Sometimes they contain small amounts of antioxidizing additives, corrosion inhibitors, depresants and antifoam additives. API GL-1 oils are designed for spiral-bevel, worm gears and manual transmissions without synchromesh.
API GL-2, oils for moderate conditions. They contain antiwear additives and are designed for worm gears. Recommended for proper lubrication of tractor and farming machine transmissions.
API GL-3, oils for moderate conditions. Contain up to 2.7% antiwear additives. Designed for lubricating bevel and other gears of vintage transmissions. Not recommended for hypoid gears.
At Classic Oils, we only stock oils which we believe offer a good combination of price and technical performance for older vehicles. We have tried to set out the website in a way that makes sense for enthusiasts, but if you would prefer to talk to someone to discuss your specific requirements, please call us on 01296-488927 at any time.