The Original Green Motor Oil: A Legacy Built on Pennsylvania Crude Oil
Whether you're breaking in a flat tappet cam or buttoning up a big block rebuild, oil isn't just oil. And when it comes to performance and protection, green motor oil has earned its legendary status in garages, racetracks, and dyno rooms across America.
Why is Pennsylvania Motor Oil Green?
It all starts in the hills of western Pennsylvania. In 1859, the modern oil industry was born in Titusville, launching what would become a global economic revolution. But beyond its historical significance, Pennsylvania oil is chemically unique. Unlike heavier crude varieties found elsewhere, Pennsylvania crude oil is paraffinic and low in sulfur, making it naturally clear, clean, and ideal for high-performance base stocks. It offers a high viscosity index, which means it stays stable across temperature extremes. For racers, engine builders, and classic car owners, that translates into better cold starts, heat resistance, and long-lasting engine protection. Simply put, it was some of the best base oil on earth at the time.
From Kendall Motor Oil to Brad Penn
In 1965, the Kendall Refinery in Bradford, PA, began blending this prized Pennsylvania crude oil into a high-performance racing oil known as Kendall GT-1. It was thick, tacky, zinc-rich—and it was green. That distinctive tint became a calling card for racers and engine builders who knew it meant business. Kendall motor oil helped power legends like Don Garlits, Bruce Larson, and Kyle Petty. But the formula’s fate shifted in 1997, when WITCO sold the Kendall brand to Sunoco, and eventually to ConocoPhillips. Meanwhile, the refinery itself became part of American Refining Group (ARG), which understood the demand from diehard racers for the real deal. That demand led to the launch of Brad Penn Oil in 2002. Formulated with the same base stock and green tint, it quickly became the go-to choice for drag racers, hot rodders, and restoration experts alike. Its full name—Brad Penn PennGrade 1®—was a nod to its Bradford, PA roots and its premium pedigree.
PennGrade 1: Green Motor Oil for the Modern Gearhead
In 2015, D-A Lubricant Company acquired the Brad Penn line and rebranded it as PennGrade 1 High Performance Oil. Same formula. Same refinery. Same unmistakable green pour. Today, PennGrade 1 is widely known as the green motor oil trusted by serious engine builders. With elevated levels of Zinc and Phosphorus (ZDDP), it protects cams and valvetrain components in classic muscle cars, vintage race cars, and flat tappet builds. And unlike many off-the-shelf oils, it’s still based on real Pennsylvania crude oil—not synthesized or diluted for mass-market standards. It’s also a favorite in long-term storage applications and dyno break-ins, where consistent shear strength and clean burn-off are critical.
In 2015, D-A Lubricant Company acquired the Brad Penn line and rebranded it as PennGrade 1 High Performance Oil. Same formula. Same refinery. Same unmistakable green pour. Today, PennGrade 1 is widely recognized as “the original green oil” and trusted by serious engine builders across the country. With elevated levels of Zinc and Phosphorus (ZDDP), it delivers proven protection for cams and valvetrain components, especially in classic muscle cars, vintage race cars, and flat-tappet engines. Unlike many mass-market oils, PennGrade 1 is engineered to meet exacting performance standards without shortcuts or compromise. It’s not a rebranded, “off the shelf” oil pretending to be a racing oil—it’s the real thing, built from the ground up for high-performance applications. It’s also a favorite in long-term storage applications and dyno break-ins, where consistent shear strength and clean burn-off are critical. Brad Penn oil, Kendall motor oil, and now PennGrade 1® have all carried the torch for over 60 years, backed by unmatched heritage and real-world results. They represent pride, protection, and a deep respect for engine performance history, especially when built on the legendary properties of Pennsylvania oil.
And yes, it’s still green.
