Vintage Photos

25 Images of Classic Gas Stations

Published

•

By  

Like what we have to say? Add thescroller.net as a preferred source on Google

Two black and white photos show people pumping gas at vintage gas stations. Old cars are visible, and gas prices are under 50 cents per gallon. The scene suggests the 1970s era during a fuel shortage.

For a long time, gas stations had far more personality than they do today. Long before modern convenience chains and self-service pumps became the norm, filling stations often reflected the style of their era through bold signs, unique architecture, neon lights, and full-service attendants who cleaned windshields and checked oil while customers waited. They were not just places to refuel, but familiar roadside landmarks woven into everyday American life.

The vintage pumps, old automobiles, weathered signage, and roadside settings preserved in these photos reveal how much car culture shaped the American landscape throughout the twentieth century. Together, the images offer a nostalgic glimpse into a time when even a simple stop for gas carried a distinct sense of character and charm.

1. Futuristic gas station in Ukraine, 1979. How do you know how much you owe?

Vintage black-and-white photo of two cars passing through futuristic, UFO-like toll booths. The scene has a retro-futuristic design with circular structures and hanging elements, set against a backdrop of trees and buildings.
via reddit

2. This self-serve gas station was popping, 1947

A vintage gas station with red pumps and classic cars. A woman and attendant fill a convertible’s tank. A large sign reads: “Gilmore Serve Yourself, Save 5¢ Per Gallon.” The scene appears from the mid-20th century.
u/harleybug88/via reddit

3. Bring back 1959 7-Elevens

A black-and-white photo of a man standing in a retro grocery store. The store is filled with various products, including chewing gum and household items. Signs above advertise items like Clorox and suggest "TV tube check-up time." The man wears glasses and a white shirt.
u/harleybug88/via reddit

4. A packed gas station during the oil crisis of 1979

Black and white photo of a busy 1970s gas station. Attendants are refueling cars and checking engines. Several vehicles are lined up, and a "Mart" sign is visible in the background.
u/bornskippy_nuxx/via reddit

5. In some gas stations, you used to be able to get minor work done on your car

A man in a blue uniform sits behind a counter in a store filled with automotive products. Shelves display oils, batteries, and car accessories. A vintage TV is on the wall, and a window shows a parked car outside. Vintage store decor is visible.
via reddit

Trending on The Scroller

6. The old-school Tesla charger, 1973

A man kneels next to a car on a city street, examining an "Electro Park" setup. Signs indicate parking rules and charging fees. A cable connects the car to the station.
u/sserenitynoww/via reddit

7. Imagine being alive during gas rationing

A man wearing a cap and glasses sits on a stool while holding a fuel pump nozzle, smiling. Behind him are three vintage Mobil gas pumps labeled Regular Mix, Premium, and Economy. The scene is set in an outdoor urban area.
u/mastrusr/via reddit

8. How are motorized roller skates not more popular?

A man on roller skates wearing a jetpack and holding a suitcase is being refueled by another person at a gas station. The scene is set outdoors with a road and trees in the background. The photo appears to be from the mid-20th century.
u/outroversion/via reddit

9. La Brea Ave in LA looks a lot different now

Vintage street scene featuring a Chevron gas station with a large sign and fuel pumps. The background shows a Texaco station, a road with traffic, and a McDonald's sign. The setting is urban, with hills visible in the distance under a clear sky.
u/baronvonbroccoli/via reddit

10. This gas station owner refused to serve this man and his Lada

Black and white photo of a man standing at a petrol station with a sign that reads, "WE WILL NOT GAS LADAS UNTIL... SOVIETS WITHDRAW." A Lada car is parked at the station, and another man stands nearby. A shop is visible in the background.
u/its_not_contagious/via reddit

11. In the 1940s, families owned gas stations, not companies

A black and white photo shows a man in a uniform standing in front of vintage gas pumps. He wears a cap and has one hand in his pocket. The background features trees and a building with visible windows.
u/atticusashley/via reddit

12. Less than a dollar per gallon

A man fills a classic GTO car with gasohol at a vintage Musso gas station. A Chevrolet truck and other vehicles are visible. Signs display gas prices and promotions. Another person is in the background near the pumps.
via reddit

13. People were so helpful to each other in the 50s

A vintage gas station with a "Signal Gas" sign stands beside a classic car parked at the pumps. The station has a small building, and trees are in the background. Triangular flags are strung overhead, adding a festive touch.
u/virnman67/via reddit

14. Gas pumps were designed like slot machines in the 80s

A woman in a pink dress and high heels is pumping gas into a black sports car at a gas station. The pump has a sign reading "Please Pull to Forward Pump." A palm tree is visible in the background.
u/diggemsmaccks/via reddit

15. This gas station attendant would knit when times were slow

A woman in a white blouse and dark shorts sits on a stool at a vintage gas station, knitting. Around her are old gas pumps and oil cans. The setting has a mid-20th-century feel, with vintage cars in the background.
u/themoralmaster/via reddit

16. In case you can’t tell, this is back in 1964 when gas was $0.22 per gallon

A vintage black-and-white photo shows a man in a jacket smiling as he hands a set of keys to a woman seated in a car. They are at a Derby gas station, with a retro pump displaying "PREMIUM" in the foreground.
u/ifiknewthen/via reddit

17. Do you know where this gas station from 1958 is from?

A retro gas station with a futuristic, circular canopy lit by neon lights. Two vintage cars, one green and one brown, are parked near the pumps. A person is checking under the hood of the brown car. Buildings are visible in the background.
u/monthlyrustle18/via reddit

18. The old 3-in-1: a gas station, a general store, and a post office.

Black and white photo of two children with a bicycle outside W.R. Haggerty General Store and Post Office in Little Creek, Delaware. A vintage Shell gas pump and American flags are visible. Trees line the quiet street.
via reddit

19. We don’t know what’s cooler, the gas station or that woman’s style.

A vintage scene at a gas station shows a woman in a blue dress beside a classic convertible car with its hood open. Two attendants are assisting with the car. The station has red "Gasolin" pumps, and a building is visible in the background.
u/madcarburetor/via reddit

20. That smile is the mark of $0.48 gas.

A black and white photo of a woman smiling at a gas station in the 1970s, filling her car with fuel. The price sign shows unleaded at 48.9 cents and premium at 49.9 cents. A store in the background displays "Emrick's Super Thrift.
u/j3434/via reddit

21. This guy is dripped out in style at a 1950s Chevron station.

A vintage scene at a Chevron gas station features a man in a white jumpsuit refueling a classic brown car. A banner reads, "NEW! Our highest octane ever!" The gas price is shown as 26.9 cents. Colorful pennants hang above.
u/commandrix/via reddit

22. People looked so much happier, even just to work at a gas station.

A black-and-white vintage photo showing a family at a Caltex gas station. Two attendants are servicing the car: one fueling up and another checking a tire. A woman stands beside the car holding papers, and two children lean out the window smiling.
via reddit

23. We can’t believe it, 16 gallons for 15$.

A person with an Afro hairstyle is seen pumping gas into a small car at a Chevron station. The gas pump shows $15.00 total sale, 0.08 gallons, and $2.64 price per gallon. The background features more pumps and a Chevron sign. The image is in black and white.
u/iconoclast63/via reddit

24. Evidently, in 1979, the gas prices were much lower, and the cops were much more lenient.

A person climbs a tall metal structure to change prices on a large sign displaying gas prices: 83 and 91 cents per gallon. The person is wearing a white shirt and jeans, and the sky is clear.
u/toastypeanut/via reddit

25. Texaco gas station from the 60s.

A vintage scene at a Texaco gas station with a man refueling a classic blue car. A person sits inside the convertible. The station features an old-style gas pump and signage.
u/brolbo/via reddit

Want to see more classic content?

Check out 40 Classic Cars from the Early 1940s, or take a look at 15 Classic Movies With Dark Stories Behind the Scenes. Finally, if you want to see hidden meanings in rock songs, check out 15 Hidden Meanings in ’80s Classic Rock Songs.

Tags:

,

Meet the Writer


Patrick Nichols

Patrick is a writer based in upstate New York, where he grew up and still calls home. Over the past year, he’s been diving deep into storytelling, especially tales rooted in history, the Wild West, lost treasures, and ancient artifacts. He’s also drawn to unsolved mysteries and whatever the internet can’t stop talking about.

Whether it’s a centuries-old legend or a bizarre internet rabbit hole, Patrick is always chasing the threads of a compelling story. When he’s not chasing stories, Pat’s probably hiking mountain trails with his dog, exploring new corners of the U.S., or doom-scrolling between hangouts with friends and family. He finds inspiration in nature, forgotten places, and random conversations—anything that sparks curiosity. Whether it’s city streets or backcountry paths, Patrick’s always on the lookout for the next great story.



More Posts From Vintage PhotosView All