Zerolene shared a mascot with a soft drink polar bear, and for good reason — both were built to signal cold-weather reliability. Standard Oil Company of California introduced Zerolene in 1907 as a rebrand of their existing Polarine lubricant, marketed specifically on the promise that it wouldn't thicken up and fail a driver on a cold morning.
Printed on a soft, broken-in cotton twill cap with deliberate distressing built in from day one. Unstructured, low-profile construction with a curved visor, self-fabric hideaway strap, and metal D-ring for an adjustable fit. Each hat carries slight natural variation in distress and color, so no two wear in exactly the same way. Spot clean with warm water and dish soap; a soft-bristled brush handles the stubborn spots.
Zerolene sold alongside Red Crown gasoline at Standard Oil of California's earliest branded stations starting in 1907, and the polar bear mark stuck around for decades. Standard Oil of California itself became Chevron Corporation in 1977, quietly carrying Zerolene's legacy into the modern era.
The perfect gift for petroliana collectors building a Standard Oil display, classic car enthusiasts, garage and man-cave decorators, and gas station history buffs who appreciate a good mascot.
The Faded Label Co. — keeping the golden age of American roadside art alive, one product at a time.
