Greetings, collectors! Today, we're looking at a fantastic piece of mid-century Americana: a Vintage OMC Marine Gasoline Tank. This isn't just a fuel container; it's a tangible link to the golden age of recreational boating, a time when families flocked to lakes and rivers with their trusty outboard motors.
This particular tank hails from the 1960s-1970s, a period when Outboard Marine Corporation, or OMC, was a dominant force in the marine industry. Its robust steel construction and utilitarian design speak to the practical engineering of the era, built to withstand the rigors of the open water. The integrated handle and distinct caps for fuel and the fuel line connector are classic features of these period pieces.
While it shows the honest wear of a life well-lived—scratches, some paint loss, and minor surface rust—these are the very hallmarks of its authenticity. The original warning labels and OMC branding are clearly legible, confirming its provenance and age. These signs of use, far from detracting, actually enhance its historical narrative, proving it's a genuine survivor.
Based on its condition and verifiable period features, I'm confident in its authenticity. For a piece like this, a conservative auction estimate would place its value between $50 and $150. It's a charming piece of history, ready for its next chapter, perhaps as a display item in a vintage garage or boathouse!
Used for this report's TTS and avatar presentation.
Item Report
Vintage OMC Marine Gasoline Tank
By:Outboard Marine Corporation (OMC)
Style:Mid-Century Industrial/Utility Collectible
Origin:USA
Materials:Painted steel, plastic, rubber
Age:Circa 1960s-1970s
Condition:Good (visible scratches, paint loss, minor surface rust, but structurally sound)
Value:Authentic: $50 - $150; Reproduction: N/A
Maker's Marks / Writing:GASOLINE, CAPACITY: 6 US GALLONS / 22.7 LITRES, DANGER EXTREMELY FLAMMABLE. HARM. FUL OR FATAL IF SWALLOWED., CAUTION, A DIVISION OF OUTBOARD MARINE CORPORATION BELOIT, WISCONSIN 53511, OMC PARTS & ACCESSORIES
Date:2026-06-27 22:40:00.112980
Description:
A vintage red painted steel gasoline tank, designed for marine outboard engines. It features a robust top handle, two distinct caps (one for fuel filling and one for the fuel line connector), and retains its original white warning labels and branding for OMC (Outboard Marine Corporation). The design is characteristic of utility items from the mid-20th century.
Curator Questions
Curated by Jade
Assessment:
This is a genuine vintage OMC marine gasoline tank, a functional piece that has become a collectible for enthusiasts of vintage boating and automobilia. Its original labels and components are largely intact, adding to its appeal. While showing signs of age and use, it appears structurally sound.
Individual Images:
whole gasoline tank
detail of fuel line connector
detail of fuel cap
detail of warning labels
lower front of tank
lower right side of tank
Provenance:
N/A
Condition:
Good (visible scratches, paint loss, minor surface rust, but structurally sound)
Identification Score: 100%
The item is unequivocally identifiable as a marine gasoline tank, with clear branding from Outboard Marine Corporation (OMC) and legible warning labels confirming its purpose and manufacturer.
Authenticity Score: 95%
The tank exhibits consistent wear, patina, and original labeling typical of a genuine item from the 1960s-1970s. There are no signs of modern reproduction or alteration. The slight deduction is for general wear and tear, not authenticity concerns.
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