Shell for Anti-Knock

Shell poster number 248, Shell for anti-knock by John Yunge Bateman. Painting shows a yellow classic car travelling at speed. Knocking is an unwanted problem that can occur during combustion, caused by the petrol-air mixture exploding and causing a knocking noise.

Key facts

  • Catalogue Number

    248

  • Title

    Shell for Anti-Knock

  • Date

    1930

  • Artist

    Yunge

Knocking is an unwanted problem that can occur during combustion. After part of the petrol-air mixture has burnt smoothly, the rest suddenly explodes causing a knocking noise. This annoying sound can cause severe damage to an engine. The superior anti-knock properties of Shell’s petrol were promoted through Shell’s Lorry Bills of the 1920s and 1930s.

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Panoramic view of the first floor of the National Motor Museum

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