Andy Granatelli, rip

[jimbrewer]

I'm surprised I haven't seen this yet: Andy Granatelli is dead at age 90. Granatelli is the guy who made the STP engine oil additive a household name. Those of us who remember the sixties will remember when "STP" stickers were absolutely everywhere, outnumbered, perhaps, only by the "peace" symbol.

Granatelli nearly won the Indy 500 twice using turbine cars. Then they outlawed them. An important figure from the 1960's car culture if there ever was one.

 

[NHGUY]

He was heavily involved with Studebaker when they bought Paxton products and STP and led to the many record runs with the Avanti.

 

[bdcardinal]

R.I.P. He lived locally and I saw him at Costco a few times. He was on his rascal scooter once and asked me to get a flat of water for him, I answered back "anything for Mr 500" he had a huge grin when I said that.

 

[Keith_Stone]

That's so cool.

 

[Donald]

Originally Posted By: NHGUY
He was heavily involved with Studebaker when they bought Paxton products and STP and led to the many record runs with the Avanti.


Thus the name:

STP = Studebaker Testing Products

 

[Jarlaxle]

No..."Scientifically Treated Petroleum".

 

[double vanos]

Hey, got oil dilution issues with your F150 Ecoboost? Well partner, throw a can of STP in your motor and restore that viscosity!!!
Everything old is new again....
Rest in peace my friend

 

[daves87rs]

RIP Andy..

 

[jimbrewer]

That's weird. The NYT said in the obit it stood for "Scientifically Treated Petroleum."

I suspect you are right, though. There is no way anyone would want to remind the public that it was associated with a defunct auto company. Granatelli was such a good huckster he would have recognized that and changed the story at the first opportunity.