Savon Gas
Photo courtesy Sal Garcia

But alas it is now decades later, and gas stations have long gone commercial. But, fortunately some of the old petrol pumps of yesteryear still exist in all their futuristic modern glory. However, the old saying still holds true. Don't smoke while pumping gas.

With their swooping manta-like rooftops to triangular overhangs, these old petrol stations have found a warm place in the automotive culture. So pay a visit to your nearest retro station. Your car may still ping and the gallon of gas may not be cheaper, but at least you'll discover 2 minutes of roadside enchantment in your day.

Avalon Gas Pumps
Photo by RoadsidePeek.com

With their pumps standing guard, many of these gas stations are mere skeletons of their heydey. Due to recent government regulations, many mom and pop stations ended up closing their doors due to the high cost of retrofit.

Gas Station
Huntington Park, CA
Photo courtesy Adriene Biondo

This old gas station looks like a space age gas port of the past as well as something out of the future.

Arco
Los Angeles, CA
Photo by RoadsidePeek.com

Here's an old gas station that looks to date from the late 70's. Check out the normalized boomerang look, all smoothed out and such.

G&H Gas
Garden Grove, CA
Photo and info courtesy David Carrasco

Here is a photo of G&H Gas located in Garden Grove CA. Notice the nice fins which supports this nice structure.