The return of Ampol to service station forecourts across Australia after an absence of 25 years is now complete with many people asking why it ever disappeared. The answer had much to do with a merger with Caltex back in 1995 but, very simply, it is back and with it a new book dealing with Ampol history which dates from 1936. Titled An illustrated history of Ampol, author Colin Dennett has produced an extensive hard cover publication containing hundreds of photos, many in colour, in which he showcases the intriguing history of this Australian icon.

The book is a tribute to Ampol founder W.G. Walkley who founded the Company (originally known as Australian Motorists Petroleum) and, as a small independent Australian oil company, set up in competition with entrenched overseas-owned oil companies. Despite all odds, Walkley succeeded with Ampol growing to become one of the largest Australian-owned companies listed on the stock exchange. This substantial book explains how that happened and many lessons can be learned which still apply today. In keeping with the theme, the book has been printed in Australia.

This independent review provides an insight to what readers can expect to see:

“This book, meticulously researched and crafted by its author, Colin Dennett, is indeed a record of Ampol’s history.

 But it is much more than that.

 For countless motorists - especially those who have driven in the Eastern states in the last century - it is a fascinating drive down memory lane!

 Many corporate histories are just tepid collections of dates and events, useful but of very little interest to the average reader. 

 This history of Ampol – profusely illustrated – will take many a reader back in time to days when – again for many - to drive or be driven in a motorcar was not always a daily event – often a weekend outing or a memorable trip to a holiday destination.

 The extensive range of photographs in the book add to this pleasant sense of deja vue, of returning to days gone by. And, in particular, for country people and people who have motored through country towns around Australia, the photographs in the Appendix (pages 190 – 274) will add considerably to the pleasure of recollecting those earlier days. 

 January, 2023

 For more details and how to buy the book, see ampolhistory.com

RRP $110

Enquiries: salesampolhistory@gmail.com