IN 1961, Gilnow Service Station, Gilnow Road, Bolton, began selling Mobil petrols and lubricants — products which brought to the motorist’s mind the Mobil Economy Run.

At the same time as the change over to Mobil products, the station was given a modern, “streamlined” look. Its red, white and turquoise-blue colour scheme proved eye-catching in the pleasant residential neighbourhood.

The proprietors, Eric Booth and Alan Watson, both well known Bolton businessmen, said they were concentrating on building up a first-class standard of forecourt and lubrication bay service for every motorist.

“Service” was their keynote and they could boast that a bubble car or a Rolls Royce calling at the garage would receive exactly the same treatment. Every windscreen was washed, every oil level checked and each customer was promptly asked about his requriements.

The growing number of regular customers proved their policy was the right one.

The forecourt carried all three grades of Mobil petrol plus diesel fuel. And there was a special pump to supply two-stroke mixture.

The picture shows the forecourt in October 1961.