1941 Oldsmobile with WWII Ration Sticker Donated to Rawhide
“A thing of beauty is a joy forever,” (Keats) and this 1941 Oldsmobile is no exception. This thing of beauty was recently donated to Rawhide, complete with a bit of history in its rear window — an ‘A’ sticker — a gasoline rationing sticker. No kidding. What did the sticker mean for the original owner and other 1940s car owners? We did some research, and here’s what we found.
Looking Back: World War II Rationing
To conserve resources during World War II, the government rationed common items such as food, clothing, and gasoline. In order to persuade individuals to be on board with the rationing system, the government utilized ads, radio shows, posters, and pamphlets to urge people to help out willingly.[1]
In May 1942, gasoline rationing took effect in the eastern half of America. President Roosevelt later decided to expand the ration to include the entire nation in December of that year. Then, the entire country banded together and found ways to manage the change, such as carpooling.
The Real Shortage
Even though President Roosevelt was adamant about the gasoline ration, limited fuel supply was not the issue. Rubber was. [2] Japanese armies had taken over plantations in the Dutch East Indies, which accounted for 90% of America’s rubber supply. The U.S.A. was in dire need of rubber for war efforts, and limiting Americans’ non-essential driving meant less wear and tear on their tires.
Classifying Essential and Nonessential Driving
While the gasoline ration did affect Americans, people could fuel their cars enough to complete their essential driving. But what determined driving needs as essential or non-essential? Drivers received one of the following classifications:
- Class A drivers received only 3 gallons of gas per week. These were considered non-essential drivers, so they were allowed just enough gas to get to and from work.
- Class B drivers were considered more essential to the war effort, thus receiving 8 gallons of gas each week. These cars likely belonged to industrial workers or traveling salesmen.
- Class C drivers were deemed essential to the war effort and included police officers, doctors, and mail carriers.
- Class T drivers were truck drivers.
- Class X drivers included politicians and other VIPs.
The last three classifications — C, T, and X — had no gas restrictions due to their necessity.[2]
Along with their classification, drivers received a coupon book to be presented at the gas station each week. This booklet tracked every driver’s gasoline purchase and regulated it based on their classification.
What Would We Do Today?
So, according to the sticker, our recently donated Oldsmobile owner was a Class A driver — whose use of this car was deemed to be “nonessential.” Imagine if we had that imposed on us today. Would we be so compliant? We’ve become so accustomed to our lifestyle of convenience; it’s hard to imagine limitations such as our grandparents or great grandparents willingly experienced.
While the recently donated 1941 Oldsmobile is a thing of beauty to behold, it also reminds us to appreciate the freedoms we have. We are thankful on many counts for this car donation.
[1] World War II Rationing, http://www.u-s-history.com/pages/h1674.html [2] Dec. 1, 1942: Mandatory Gas Rationing, Lots of Whining, http://www.wired.com/2009/11/1201world-war-2-gasoline-rationing/
Originally published at www.rawhide.org
