The Duckhams Story
From British motoring origins to international recognition, Duckhams has helped shape lubricant innovation since 1899.
Over 125 Years of Innovation
From the 1899 founding to the present daySelect any photograph to enlarge
Alexander Founds the Oil House
Chemical Inception at Phoenix Wharf
Pioneering
Chemist and businessman Alexander Duckham, from Blackheath in South London, sets up his own oil company at Phoenix Wharf, London, with a small loan from his father.
Alexander Takes to the Skies
Aviation Ascents with Louis Blériot
Pioneering
In a two-seat aircraft with a 100hp Gnome-Blériot engine, Alexander Duckham and aviation pioneer Louis Blériot reach a record height of 1,600 feet at the Bournemouth Flying Meeting.
Supporting the Great War Effort
Appointed to Government on Churchill's Recommendation
Pioneering
Duckhams supplies lubricants to the war effort, and Alexander Duckham is appointed to high office in government on the recommendation of Winston Churchill.
Vanbrugh Castle for the RAF
Philanthropy: RAF Benevolent Fund
Pioneering
Alexander Duckham gives his former family home, Vanbrugh Castle in Greenwich, to the RAF Benevolent Fund, where it becomes a school for the children of RAF airmen killed in service.
Carbon Deposit Prevention
Revolutionary New Process Oils
Pioneering
Duckhams develops a new oil that controls the build-up of carbon deposits. Within a year, over 60 British car makers specify Duckhams.
Recommended by 90% of Builders
The Oil of Choice for Classic Marques
Pioneering
Many classic marques, including Morris, Wolseley, Austin, Bentley, Invicta, Rolls-Royce, Humber, and Rover make Duckhams their engine oil of choice in driver handbooks.
First Synchromesh Oil
Morris & MG Authorised Handbook Recommendation
Pioneering
MG gives Duckhams its sole recommendation, not just for the engine but for the gearbox and axle too. Morris and Wolseley also approve Duckhams gear oils and adopt them as factory fill.
Revolutionary Adcoids Fuel Tablets
Running-In Tablets
Pioneering
Duckhams develops Adcoids, a fuel treatment tablet. As their effectiveness is recognised, sales of the running-in tablets soar, and they contribute enormously to Duckhams' growth.
Utah Salt Flat Land Speed Records
Goldie Gardner Shatters Records in Utah
Racing
Goldie Gardner breaks the land speed record on the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah in his MG, running on Duckhams oil.
Europe's Very First Multigrade Oil
Inventing the Famous Duckhams Green Q
Classic
Duckhams introduces Europe's first multigrade motor oil, Duckhams Q. The iconic green oil transforms lubrication technology.
The BMC Mini Integral Sump
Duckhams Q20W-50
Classic
Alec Issigonis's BMC Mini puts its gearbox in the engine's sump, so one oil must lubricate both. Duckhams Q20W-50 solves the problem, making the Mini's compact design possible.
The Iconic Yellow-and-Blue Colours
Britain's Fastest Expanding Brand Identity
Classic
The iconic yellow and blue colours are rolled out across all packaging and communications, making Duckhams Britain's fastest expanding brand.
Exporting to 37 Nations
The Q20W-50 Legend Spreads Globally
Classic
The success of Duckhams Q20W-50 brings a boom in exports to 37 countries. Closer to home, Duckhams is now one of the top players in the UK oil market.
Motorcycle Racing Legends
Sponsoring Sammy Miller & Barry Sheene
Racing
Legendary Sammy Miller, Mike Hailwood, and Barry Sheene sweep circuits in Duckhams livery. Excitement hits home when Duckhams wins the British Motorcycle Championship using the Norton rotary engine.
Acquisition by British Petroleum
Independence Within BP
Classic
Duckhams is acquired by BP, with all its operations, products and brand remaining independent.
Into Formula 1
Supporting John Surtees' Team
Racing
Duckhams expands into Formula 1, Formula 3 and Formula Ford, including supporting John Surtees' team, whose Ford Cosworth DFV engine runs on off-the-shelf Duckhams Q20-50. Future stars backed by Duckhams go on to include James Hunt, Ronnie Peterson, Nigel Mansell, Ayrton Senna and David Coulthard.
World Rally Champions
Ari Vatanen Claims Historic Title
Racing
Flying Finn Ari Vatanen wins the World Rally Championship behind the wheel of a Ford Escort running under privateer status, backed and lubricated by Duckhams formulation.
Entering the Fully Synthetic Arena
Hypergrade & QS Debut for Hot Hatches
Racing
Addressing the rising 'hot hatch' sector with compact engines and elevated thermal limits, Duckhams releases state-of-the-art formulations. QS is introduced to British markets as the brand's first fully synthetic engine oil.
QXR High-Performance Release
Succeeding Legendary Classic Q
Racing
Duckhams launches five state-of-the-art formulations driven by motor engine advances. Leading the lineup is Duckhams QXR, alongside Duckhams Hypergrade, the ultimate successor to traditional Q premium multigrade.
Consolidated Shelf Ranges
Simplified Formulation Portfolios
Classic
Approaching its centennial, the company consolidated its specialised product lines into a modernised, streamlined collection, optimising oil parameters for high-street mechanics and classic restoring enthusiasts alike.
The Grand Brand Re-Launch
Classic Oils Relaunched at the NEC
Classic
After a master brand refresh, Duckhams relaunches the brand and its Classic motor oils at the NEC Classic Motor Show to strong support, and sponsors rally driver Louise Cook in the World Rally Championship.
Establishing Middle East & Asia Hubs
Trading Offices Open in Dubai & Malaysia
Global
Duckhams opens regional trading offices in Dubai and Malaysia. Undergoing technical blending partnerships with Petromin Corporation in Saudi Arabia and SFC Excellence in East Asia. Duckhams also secures exclusive lubricant sponsorship status with the prestigious Federation of British Historic Vehicle Clubs (FBHVC).
Next-Level Passenger Car Launches
NEC Automechanika Debut
Classic
Duckhams product ranges hit the shelves at NEC Automechanika in the UK, showcasing advanced synthetic low-SAPS chemistry. The brand appoints country-exclusive partners including Ahmad Yar Group in Afghanistan, with campaigns designed together with branding agency Honest.
Re-entering the Motorcycle Sector
Expanded Alliances from Lebanon to East Asia
Global
Duckhams launches a tailored range of market-specific motorcycle lubricants. Successfully appoints Moove Lubricants (part of Cosan Group) in Europe, alongside new distribution alliances covering Lebanon, UK, Ireland, Afghanistan, Malaysia, Singapore and Nepal.
Launch in the UAE & Partnership Refinement
New Horizons & Production Partners across 47 Countries
Global
Duckhams launches in the United Arab Emirates as part of a strategic Middle East initiative. Concurrently, Moove Pro-Brands is appointed as the exclusive manufacturer and marketer of Duckhams lubricants across 47 European nations. Sponsoring Dan Cammish to victory in Porsche Carrera Cup GB completes an iconic year.
Porsche Carrera Cup GB & Superbike Triumphs
Racing Victories Across Continents
Racing
Adam Smalley clinches the Porsche Carrera Cup GB Championship carrying the famous yellow-and-blue Duckhams colours, while Duckhams-sponsored riders claim multiple championship titles on the Thai BRIC Superbike grid, solidifying global technical excellence.
Celebrating Duckhams 125 Years
125 Years of Excellence, Heritage & Dynamic Performance
Global
2024 marks a historic milestone for Duckhams. Mike Bewsey is appointed new CEO to spearhead international expansion. The legendary marque continues its rich motorsport heritage with sponsor campaigns in the BTCC, the historic FF1600 Heroes Sprint Cup, and an outstanding British GT debut at Oulton Park.
Official Oil Partner of the BTCC's Most Successful Team
Racing
Duckhams becomes Official Oil Partner to West Surrey Racing, the most successful team in British Touring Car Championship history with 137 race wins. The partnership backs Daryl De Leon and Charles Rainford's BMW 330i M Sport entries for the full 2026 season.
Alexander Duckham
Chemist, and founder of the company that has carried his name since 1899.