Petrol Pagodas

The leading oil and petrol companies were keen to have a presence at Brooklands, supplying fuel for racing and testing.

In the early 1920s some built their own depots here, each with a manager’s office, store, forecourt and pumps. Fuel was often blended to meet a driver’s own requirements and the companies often sponsored competitors in the hope of publicity on the back of their success.  The Shell and BP petrol ‘pagodas’, both dating from 1922, have been fully restored to their 1920s or 30s external appearance. The Pratts (later Esso) pagoda is under restoration.