Dino’s Journey | ClassicCars.com Magazine

Dinosaurs are rock stars The dinosaurs of the prehistoric world have captured our imagination with their gigantic presence. Although they existed millions of years ago, today they are almost like mythical creatures from blockbuster movies. Therefore, it is no surprise that the Sinclair Dino Dino has become an American icon.

In 1930, the creative minds at Sinclair Oil Company had a light bulb moment – why not use dinosaurs to market their products? These products were made from crude oil from when dinosaurs roamed the Earth. Sinclair introduced a whole host of dinosaurs, but the most notable was the adorable, long-necked Apatosaurus. This gentle giant found his way into the hearts of Americans and became the centerpiece of all of Sinclair’s advertising. It was so popular that Sinclair trademarked it in 1932.

The very next year, Sinclair took things one step further by creating a life-size dinosaur and a host of prehistoric animals for the 1933-34 Chicago World’s Fair, “A Century of Progress.” These magnificent dinosaurs were the work of PG Alen, an artist known for his lifelike papier-mâché animals from the movies. His work brought these ancient beasts to life, delighting all who saw them.

Fast forward to the 1960s, and dinosaurs are everywhere! You can see the beloved dinosaurs on gas pumps, like this early 1950s Sinclair Oil Gilbarco Barrett-Jackson pump sold at the 2024 Scottsdale Auto Auction, on neon signs, like this animated neon sign on 1960 Sinclair Oil china that appeared at the famous auction, and on all kinds of marketing products. Fiberglass dinosaurs even began to appear at Sinclair gas stations across the country, providing travelers with the perfect photo spot to remember their trip.

In 1963, Dino made his balloon debut in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and immediately became a crowd favorite, becoming a highlight of the year. Dino’s popularity soared that in 1975 he was made an honorary member of the National Museum of Natural History. That was quite an accomplishment for a dinosaur!

At the 1964 New York World’s Fair, Sinclair Corporation made a splash with its amazing Dinoland exhibit, featuring Dino and eight of his prehistoric companions. Each dinosaur was made of fiberglass and featured advanced animatronics to bring them to life in stunning ways. The dinosaurs themselves were also a highlight, measuring 70 feet long (or, as ads at the time put it, “as long as 56 children”) and weighing 20 tons. Dinoland was a huge success, capturing the imagination of visitors. To bring these giant guests to their new home at the Fair, the dinosaurs and their companions made their grand entrance into the Dinoland exhibit by barge, traveling 125 miles down the Hudson River.

One of the most exciting features of Sinclair’s Dinoland is the “Mold-a-Rama” machine, which, for just 25 cents, molds a toy dinosaur right before your eyes out of Sinclair’s “Dinofin Plastic.” 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. The Mold-A-Rama machine has been restored to its original condition and can produce molded dinosaur figurines in 30 seconds.

After the New York World’s Fair, the animatronics were taken down and Dino and his Mesozoic pals embarked on a nationwide tour, even making a special appearance at the 1966 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, once again delighting fans.

Dino then made his triumphant return as a 72-foot balloon in the 2015 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, his first appearance since 1976. The following year, in celebration of Sinclair’s centennial, Dino made an epic cross-country journey from California to New York City, culminating in his grand appearance in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Today, Dino enjoys a peaceful retirement at Dinosaur Valley State Park in Glen Rose, Texas, sharing his new home with a Tyrannosaurus Rex from the World’s Fair.

For years, there has been debate as to whether Dino was an Apatosaurus or a Brontosaurus. When Dino first made his debut, the scientific consensus was that it was a Brontosaurus. However, with more research and scientific advancements, he was reclassified as an Apatosaurus. But no matter which dinosaur Dino was, one thing is clear: America adored him. Don’t miss your chance to own this beloved icon and check out the automotive memorabilia offered at the Scottsdale Fall Auctions, October 10-13, 2024!

This article originally appeared on Barrett-Jackson.com.