Dinosaurs are the rockstars of the prehistoric world, igniting our imaginations with their colossal presence. Though they stomped around millions of years ago, today they feel almost like mythical creatures from a blockbuster movie. So, it’s no wonder that Dino, the Sinclair Dinosaur, became an American icon.
Back in 1930, Sinclair Oil’s creative minds had a lightbulb moment ‒ why not use dinosaurs to market their products, which were made from crude oil that dated back to the days when the creatures roamed the earth? Sinclair introduced a whole crew of dinosaurs, but it was the lovable, long-necked Apatosaurus that stole the show. This gentle giant waltzed into the hearts of Americans and became a central figure in all Sinclair advertising. He was so popular that Sinclair trademarked the dinosaur in 1932.
The very next year, Sinclair took things up a notch by crafting a life-size Dino, along with a prehistoric posse, for the “Century of Progress” Chicago World’s Fair in 1933-34. These magnificent dinos were the handiwork of P.G. Alen, an artist known for creating lifelike papier-mâché animals seen in movies. His creations brought the ancient giants back to life, entertaining all the fairgoers who saw them.
Zoom ahead to the swinging 1960s, and Dino was everywhere! You could spot this beloved dinosaur on gas pumps like the early 1950s Sinclair Oil Gilbarco example Barrett-Jackson sold at the 2024 Scottsdale Automobilia Auction, on neon signs like the 1960 Sinclair Oil porcelain with animated neon sign that made an appearance on the famous auction block and all sorts of marketing goodies. Fiberglass Dinos even began appearing at Sinclair stations across the country, offering travelers the perfect photo spot to remember their journey.
Dino made his grand debut as a balloon in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in 1963, instantly winning over the crowd and becoming an annual highlight. Dino’s popularity soared so high that, in 1975, he became an Honorary Member of the Museum of Natural History. Now that’s a dino-mite achievement!
Sinclair made a splash at the 1964 New York World’s Fair with their incredible Dinoland exhibit, starring Dino and eight of his prehistoric pals. Each dinosaur was crafted from fiberglass and packed with cutting-edge animatronics, bringing them to life in a spectacular way. Dino himself was a showstopper at a whopping 70 feet long ‒ or, as the advertising at the time put it, “56 kids long” ‒ and weighed in at 20 tons. Dinoland was a roaring success, capturing the imagination of visitors young and old. To get these gigantic guests to their new home for the fair, Dino and the gang embarked on a 125-mile barge journey down the Hudson River, making a grand entrance at the Dinoland Pavilion.
One of the most exciting features of Sinclair’s Dinoland was the “Mold-a-Rama” machine, which for 25 cents would mold a dinosaur toy out of Sinclair’s “Dinofin Plastic” before your very eyes. Barrett-Jackson sold a Sinclair Oil 1964 New York World’s Fair Mold-A-Rama machine for $115,000 at the 2021 Scottsdale March Auction. This Mold-A-Rama machine had been restored to its original condition and could produce molded Dino figurines within 30 seconds.
After the New York World’s Fair, the dinosaurs’ animatronics were removed, and Dino hit the road with his Mesozoic buddies for a nationwide tour. They even made a special appearance in the 1966 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, delighting fans once again.
Since then, Dino made a triumphant return as a 72-foot-long balloon in the 2015 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, marking his first appearance since 1976. The following year, to celebrate Sinclair’s centennial, Dino embarked on an epic cross-country road trip from California to New York City, culminating in his grand appearance at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Today, Dino enjoys a peaceful retirement in Dinosaur Valley State Park in Glen Rose, Texas, sharing his new home with the Tyrannosaurus rex from the World’s Fair.
Over the years, there’s been a dino-debate about whether Dino is an Apatosaurus or a Brontosaurus. When Dino first made his debut, the scientific consensus was that he was a Brontosaurus. However, with more research and scientific advancements, he was reclassified as an Apatosaurus. But no matter what kind of dinosaur Dino is, one thing is clear: America adores him. Don’t miss your chance to own a piece of this beloved icon by checking out the automobilia offered at the October 10-13, 2024, Scottsdale Fall Auction!
This article was originally published on Barrett-Jackson.com.
Source: www.classiccars.com