For More Than Eight Decades, Wynn's® Has Been A Pioneer In The Automotive Aftermarket, Dedicated To The Science Of Preventative Maintenance.
Our story began in 1939, when founder Chestien Wynn created the revolutionary Friction Proofing Oil, an additive designed to reduce friction and wear in engines. This singular innovation laid the foundation for a global brand, establishing a legacy of trust and performance.
Wynn's® has continuously evolved to meet the demands of modern vehicles. Today, we are a trusted name in over 120 countries, offering advanced solutions that not only maintain and protect but also enhance the performance and longevity of critical vehicle systems, upholding our unwavering commitment to quality and innovation since day one.
Our History
Chestien Wynn, a 70-year-old retired attorney with an interest in lubrication chemistry, developed a formula he named Wynn's Friction Proofing Oil. This surface treatment changed the chemistry of the metal, making it better able to withstand friction and wear.
It wasn't long before Chestien was forced to hire a salesman so he could devote his time to producing and bottling. However, just as business was beginning to pick up, World War II began. The salesman went into the Navy and Chestien Wynn could no longer get the chemicals and lubricants to make his product.
Chestien and his one salesman started over in 1946.
Son Carl E. Wynn joins the company and moves production into his two car garage. On May 28, 1947 the company was incorporated under the name Wynn Oil Company at 1222 Duarte Road, San Gabriel, California. An average of 40 cases of products per day was produced. Wynn sponsors the first of many race cars and drivers.
April 1, 1948, fire destroyed the two car garage. Within a few short weeks Wynn's flew in equipment and machinery to resume operation in Azusa, California. A flight was made in a Luscombe Silvaire airplane with NO OIL IN THE CRANKCASE. The plane flew seven minutes without oil — the engine had been treated with Wynn's Friction Proofing, illustrating that it penetrates the surfaces of moving metal parts and forms a protective film of lubrication.
"The Deep Sea Test" was run in Newport Beach, CA in June. Two motors were immersed into salt water and left for fourteen days. One motor was treated with Wynn's Friction Proofing and the other was not. RESULTS: While still wet, the motor treated with Friction Proofing started without difficulty. The other did not.
Johnny Parsons, driving the Friction Proofing Special, won the Indianapolis 500 race.
Year long Twin Car tests demonstrated that the product reduces wear and fuel consumption over a 100,000 mile test period. Independent consultants certified the results — Wynn's Friction Proofing was responsible for 10.1% better gas mileage, 44.7% less bearing damage, and 21.6% less starting friction.
The establishment of a new world's land speed record on the Bonneville Salt Flats by the Wynn's Friction Proofing "Streamliner." Driven by Roy Leslie, the sleek car, powered by three tandem engines, travelled more than 435 km/h (270 mph) to reach the best one-mile land speed ever obtained.
Wynn's Friction Proofing received the Car Life "Seal of Merit." Two new records for light plane endurance flights were set at 1,200 and 1,650 hours consecutively in aircraft protected by Wynn's Friction Proofing. Federal aviation authorities certified Wynn's products for use in light aircraft.
"The Birds," one of Alfred Hitchcock's famous suspense films starring Rod Taylor and Tippi Hedren, featured Wynn's products prominently in the movie.
Wynn's continued its motorsport heritage with the Wynn's Special No. 4, further demonstrating the performance capabilities of Wynn's Friction Proofing in competitive racing environments.
"The Family Jewels" starring Jerry Lewis featured Wynn's products on screen, continuing the brand's presence in popular American cinema throughout the decade.
Wynn's partnered with legendary drag racing champion Don Garlits, bringing Friction Proofing technology to the most demanding motorsport competition and cementing Wynn's reputation as the professional's choice.
Wynn's products were recognized at the highest levels of American leadership, reflecting the brand's broad reach and reputation for quality across industries.
Don Prudhomme, known as "The Snake," joined the Wynn's racing program, bringing championship-level performance and expanding Wynn's presence in Top Fuel and Funny Car drag racing.
Wynn's expanded its product lineup with the introduction of new Xtend formulations, broadening the brand's reach beyond Friction Proofing into a comprehensive automotive chemical solution portfolio.
Wynn's continued expanding its distribution and product innovation throughout the 1970s, establishing itself as the premier automotive chemical brand trusted by professionals and consumers alike.
The Carl E. Wynn Science Center was dedicated at Azusa Pacific University in honor of Carl E. Wynn's contributions to both the automotive industry and his commitment to education and the community.
"The Jerk," the classic Steve Martin comedy, featured a memorable scene involving Wynn's products — continuing the brand's iconic presence in American popular culture throughout the decade.
Wynn's Fuel Products was acquired by ITW in 2005 and became the flagship brand in their Professional Automotive Products business unit, moving manufacturing to Lakeland, Florida.
Wynn's celebrated 80 years of innovation with an active global motorsport program, bringing the brand's legacy of performance chemistry to modern racing circuits around the world.
Wynn's® professional-grade chemical solutions are engineered to clean, protect, and lubricate critical vehicle systems, proactively preventing common problems, restoring lost performance, and ultimately extending a vehicle's lifespan.