About The Shop South
At The Shop South, we curate investment-grade petroliana with integrity and passion. From full collections to rare vintage gas & oil memorabilia — our mission is to preserve authentic automobile history, honor legacy, and support collectors who value character as much as value.
Our Story
My grandfather once owned a Gulf gas station in northwest New Jersey on US Route 46 along the Delaware River. He operated it years before I was born, but the stories from “the station” were part of our family’s history. By the time I arrived, he was retired and running a small vending machine route to stay active. He often brought me along to fill machines and collect coins, and those drives became some of my favorite childhood memories—long car rides, old stories, and time spent with the greatest man I’ll ever know.
One of my first encounters with vintage gas and oil collectibles was a glowing Gulf pump globe in my uncle’s basement. Its warm, soft light felt like automotive art, and it left an impression that stayed with me.
As I grew older, I became a gearhead drawn to cars, speed, and the gas and oil culture that shaped American roads. When I started collecting petroliana, Gulf was the natural place to begin—it felt like home. What started as nostalgia quickly became a passion to understand and preserve the history behind the brands that fueled America’s automotive story.
That combination of personal passion and family legacy eventually became The Shop South—a curated destination for authentic petroliana and vintage gas & oil memorabilia, built on honesty, respect, and a commitment to preserving true automotive heritage. Today, it serves as a place where collectors and families can trust that their pieces—and the stories behind them—will be honored and passed on with care.
One of the centerpieces of the collection today is the original 1929 bronze plaque from Houston’s Gulf Building. Read its story, or browse more Stories from The Shop South Collection.
Our Promise
What every seller and collector can expect when working with The Shop South.
Authenticity You Can Trust
Every vintage gas and oil collectible we handle is fully verified, documented, and evaluated with true collector-level care. We specialize in authentic petroliana—not reproductions—ensuring every sign, globe, pump, or automobilia item is represented honestly and accurately.
Integrity in Every Transaction
We believe in fair offers, transparent communication, and a straightforward process whether you’re selling a lifelong petroliana collection or purchasing your next vintage gas station piece. No pressure. No gimmicks. Just honest collector-to-collector transactions.
Collector-Focused Service
As lifelong enthusiasts ourselves, we speak the language of collectors. We respect your collection, appreciate its history, and work with you to ensure each piece—whether a porcelain sign, pump globe, or full petroliana estate—finds a home where its story continues.
Have a Collection or Looking for a Piece?
Whether you’re selling a single sign or an entire collection, or searching for something specific, we’d like to hear from you.