Shell Oil Automobile License Topper - Three Flags on Shell Logo AP1831

Measures 3" x 5 1/4".

Heavy embossed metal topper in the form of a shell with three flags symbolizing Shell’s “share the road” campaign. 

In 1937, Shell’s gasoline ads were inspired by industrial designer Normal Bel Geddes’ visionary ideas of free flowing traffic on futuristic limited access highways. Geddes’ later designed General Motors’ “Futurama” pavilion for the 1939 World’s Fair.

The reality didn’t match the vision, however, with chaotic traffic jamming streets. In 1938, Shell began a “Share-The-Road Club” to encourage freer flowing traffic. Drivers who signed up for the club at their local Shell station affixed an emblem on their car to “warn the ‘screwdrivers’ and ‘screwjays'” to give way to traffic!