The Don Yenko/Gulf Oil connection makes perfect sense, as Gulf Oil was co-founded by William Larimer Mellon, a name synonymous with Pittsburgh wealth. Gulf Oil also had it's headquarters in Pittsburgh during the 1960's. The "Gulf Tower" still stands on the corner of 7th and Grant right here in Downtown Pittsburgh, and I actually worked in the building for a short time while I was a student at the University of Pittsburgh. It's a very nice old building with some historic significance. I often used to think when I was riding up the antique elevators how many times Don may have done the same thing, on his way to meetings with the big whigs at Gulf Oil. It makes me wonder if Don sought out Gulf Oil as a sponsor, or if Gulf Oil sought out Don as a driver. Either way, it was most likely a beneficial arrangement for both parties. I'm sure Don needed the extra $$$ to keep repairing the Corvettes he'd tear up each weekend, and Gulf Oil had to like seeing their logo out in front. Here is a link to an interesting website regarding Gulf Oil's history.
Gulf Oil History As it turns out, Pittsburgh was home to the first drive-thru gas station way back in 1913, thanks to the folks at Gulf Oil. There are some interesting pics on the website linked above. Keep up the outstanding research JoeC, inquiring minds want to know.
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