There are dozens of videos on the ‘Tube about how engine lubrication works, and how oil protects machined engine parts, but this one predates them all – and, likely, your date of birth as well as ours.

Put together in 1937 by the Chevrolet Motor Division of the General Motors Sales Corporation, it provides an excellent explanation of not only how oil works to lubricate sensitive engine parts, but also how pressurized lubrication keeps those engine parts rotating, sliding, and spinning without failure.

We always appreciate these vintage videos; they were put together at a time when the general public had a much less-impressive understanding of mechanical devices.

As the automobile’s acceptance was still in its infancy at this time, Chevrolet seized the opportunity to help the potential buyer understand their life-changing purchase by relying on another relatively-recent invention of the time period – the talking movie.

The video includes excellent, simple-to-understand video footage of the relation between engine parts and how the oil acts to lubricate the surfaces. It’s worth noting that the video starts off with footage depicting skiers, bobsledders, and ice skaters.

Why is this relevant? Because, much like engine parts, the skaters aren’t really skating on the ice surface itself, but a thin film of water created by the pressure of the skate blade on the surface of the ice. This thin film of water acts as a lubricant for the skate blade.

The video goes on to explain how oil works as an excellent lubricant, how it operates and maintains its film strength, and more – providing excellent commentary and a greater sense of understanding.

It’s worth the ten-minute watch. Check it out!