1935 Wayne Model 60 Gas Pump

Wayne is one of the oldest and most successful original gas pump makers, dating back to 1891. The Wayne Company revolutionized the service station industry in 1933 when it introduced the first computing pump with the Model 40. In response to the need for a more modern and attractive computing pump, came the new Wayne 60 narrow body pump. This pump has a more streamlined Art Deco-inspired design, with stepped sides, resembling the elegant design of the Empire State Building. The Wayne Co. promoted this 1935 model as the “World’s Most Beautiful Pump”. The new Model 60 was a tremendous hit in the service station industry, having been placed at the stations of major companies including Texaco, Shell and Phillips.

The people at Vintage Vending have restored this original 1930’s Art Deco style gas pump to its original glory. This 1935 Wayne Model 60 has been restored with the Mobilgas Special logo. Note the sight gauge is outside of and above the computer face. In the later 30’s, the gauge was moved inside, on the computer face. The purpose of the sight gauge is to see the flow of the gasoline.

The computer was first referred to a “variator” when it was released by the Wayne Co. in 1933. The term “computer” was first used by manufacturer Veeder-Root to describe their revolving number meter that displayed the amount of gas pumped and the price. Other companies adopted the term by 1940. These computers were in use until digital pumps were introduced around 1975.

The Wayne Model 60 pumps came with the factory option of glass insert panels that were painted with a generic or sunburst design or with an advertisement. This example has the sunburst design.

Features of the Wayne 60 Model Gas Pump:

● Volume computer unit
● Price synchronizing mechanism
● Gallon totalizer
● Rotary pump unit
● Air separator
● Four-cylinder piston meter
● Computer reset control mechanism
● Visible flow indicator
● Non-shock nozzle
● Explosion-proof motor
● Electric advertising sign

The 1935 Wayne Model 60 represents a high point in the evolution of gas pump design. Today these pumps are so desired by collectors that the demand far exceeds the supply. We’re sorry, but this restored gas pump is not for sale.

If you have any questions, please post it. Maybe another collector can help you.

1935 Wayne Model 50 Displaymeter

Displaymeters were the mega-pumps of their day. These gas pumps were outfitted with display shelves to facilitate sales directly at the pump. Gas retailers realized the potential for additional, impulse sales if products were displayed at the island for the customer.

(Remember: these were the days before self-serve gas, when a gas attendant came to your car and pumped your gas, checked the oil and washed your windshield. You didn’t need to get out of your car. Unfortunately, those days are gone.)

Pumps with display space were introduced around 1932. The built-in display cases showcased batteries and accessories, while some larger cases could even accommodate tires. As if these were not large enough, Wayne made the Model 56 in 1936 that combined two pumps and display cases into one structure. There was also the Model 55, with a single pump and a doublewide display case. In addition to oil and other small car accessories, these massive pieces were used to display tires, car batteries and other large merchandise.

Wayne Factory advertisements stated that the Displaymeter “makes your island a blazing front of light and your station becomes an attractive place to shop at night when other stores are closed.” And from a purely business perspective, “In the market of petroleum today it is conceded that the eye-appeal of the dispensing pump is a paramount importance. The island is the sign of service and the pumps tell what kind of service to expect.” The Wayne Co. was very successful, even through the Depression, so evidently, their strategy worked.

In terms of style, the Model 50 Displaymeter had the elegant Art Deco stepped sides typical in the 30’s Wayne pump design, with the addition of the 4 glass sides and shelves to display merchandise. Lights inside the case illuminated the products on display.

This pump was restored with the Texaco gas company logo and illuminated globe. The sight meter is outside of and above the clock face as was the design in the early 30’s. Not only are these pumps very striking, but also they are extremely rare. Not many of them have survived the test of time.
This Wayne Model 50 Displaymeter was restored by Vintage Vending and is not for sale. If you have a question for another collector that might be able to help you, please post it here.