Chromjuwelen Motor Öl: About The Background

Due to the tremendous feedback for the package design of our Chromjuwelen Motor Öl, I would like to get one thing straight: It was neither me nor my Chromjuwelen partner Chris who did the design. Ok, I am responsible for squeezing and advancing the idea, but all props regarding the package design go to Donkey. In person: Boris Frommen, Daniel Dondorp and Christian Kandel.

I know Boris for years now and he is doing an amazing job with his agency. But if you visit Donkey's website, you will soon figure out that Donkey's core competence is not exactly … er ... automotive based. It is much more the fashion- and fragrancies-business they are in. But it has been a ongoing complaining from Boris (who is racing Porsche and Ferrari, btw) on a high level that he would love to do something auto-related one day.

When I told Boris about our cooperation with Mathy he was immediately hooked and brought Daniel Dondorp and Christian Kandel into play. Daniel and Christian are both into classic cars as well, and they turned out to be the dream team we were looking for. I take my hat off to both of you, Daniel and Christian — you've created something sheer incredible!

Granted. It took us over a year to bring our first first product, Chromjuwelen Motor Öl (yes, written with "Ö"!), to shape. Of course, we know the needs of the market and our audience – but at the end of the day Chris and I are just two buffoons who are bringing on some geeky automotive interwebs pollution. But in this regard we see ourselves to be our prototype clients: not savvy in engineering — but in search of products who fit to our passion: classic and modified cars. To keep it short: our intention was to create a product which we would buy.

When we thought for the first time about "Chromjuwelen Products" (yeop, there are some more on their way — stay tuned!) it was indisputable for us we can't do that on our own. But with Mathy and Donkey we feel like we hit the jackpot. On the one hand Mathy, who is gutsy enough to realize our neurotic ideas, on the other hand Donkey, who is highly skilled to bring 'em to shape.

As well I would like to thank at this point all media representatives (AUTO BILD KLASSIK, and several journalists), garages, museums and technicians we had the honor to learn from. Guys, without your affirmation we wouldn't feel that secure, as we do today. 

Right now we are working on our Chromjuwelen Online Store (which we will launch end of August) that our products can be ordered worldwide. Btw — this was one of our biggest tasks: to get them shippable. Please don't hesitate to talk to us, if you would like to offer Chromjuwelen Motor Öl in your Vintage Furniture Store, in your Garage our in your Heritage Fashion Shop!

Oh, btw, just one last thing: We will debut September 1./2. at the Oldtimer Park Hamburg and the Hamburger Stadtpark Revival. Safe the date!

Chromjuwelen Motor Öl: Pre-Order Now!

Ladies and Gentlemen, allow me to introduce you to our first Chromjuwelen product: Chromjuwelen Motor Öl — specially formulated for classic cars!

Anyone who drives a classic is familiar with the question of which oil is the best one for his engine. Nowadays even the least expensive products are of such high grade that they are superior in quality to the top motor oils of the past. But because most classics are taken out on the road only a few months per year they experience long periods of inactivity. Base motor oils are not made for this; they do not adhere long enough to provide a protective coating on critical parts such as cylinder liners, camshafts and crankshafts and end up flowing back into the oil pan. This makes the next cold start a material killer.

Chromjuwelen Motor Öl is custom tailored for classic engines operated only a few months per year. Formulated by Mathé® Classic, the oil provides wear and corrosion protection precisely tailored to the needs of historic engines and ensures long-term adhesion to metallic surfaces. This mitigates potential damage that may ensue following long periods of inactivity such as winter storage or museum exhibitions.

Based on a mildly alloyed, mineral-based multigrade oil, Chromjuwelen Motor Öl is ready for immediate use and can be mixed with all standard brand name mineral-based, HC synthetic or synthetic motor oils. According to SAE classification, Chromjuwelen Motor Öl is suitable for vehicles of all types: cars, motorcycles and utility vehicles. 

Chromjuwelen Motor Öl is specially formulated for vehicles only used occasionally and tolerates long periods in between use.

Order in advance — you’ll be glad you did!

The official sales launch is scheduled for September 1, 2012. Chromjuwelen Motor Öl is available for purchase at http://chromjuwelen.com and select outlets. Initially, two viscosities are available: SAE 15W-40 and SAE 20W-50. MVG® Mathé-Schmierstofftechnik GmbH will be handling the shipping.

Advance orders will be taken from the beginning of August 2012 – with substantial customer benefits! For the purchase of a 5l canister by September 1 the shipping and handling fee of EUR 5.95 will not be charged for delivery within Germany. The customer will also receive a free one-liter bottle of the selected viscosity at no charge. Ordering 5 liters thus saves the customer EUR 24.85!

Pre-order now: Chromjuwelen Motor Öl 15W-40 (1 Liter): EUR 18,90

Pre-order now: Chromjuwelen Motor Öl 15W-40 (5 Liter): EUR 79,90

Pre-order now: Chromjuwelen Motor Öl 20W-50 (1 Liter): EUR 18,90

Pre-order now: Chromjuwelen Motor Öl 20W-50 (5 Liter): EUR 79,90

Delivery starts from September 3, 2012.

Chromjuwelen Motor Öl: Made by people with a passion for classic cars for people with a passion for classic cars.

Chromjuwelen Motor Öl was jointly conceived by MVG® Mathé-Schmierstofftechnik GmbH and Chromjuwelen, is based on the needs of the various groups of classic car aficionados, and its premium standard of excellence and formulation with Mathé® Classic make it unique.

Chromjuwelen Motor Öl is manufactured by MVG® Mathé-Schmierstofftechnik GmbH in Soltau, Germany. The additive specialists can look back on a long tradition. Since the mid-80’s they have been carrying on the legacy of racing legend Otto Mathé. To improve the performance and lubrication of his motor oil, Mathé developed his own additive. This resulted in his engines running more reliably than the same types of engines being used by his competitors.

Whether in his "Ahnherrn", the Berlin-Rome car developed by Ferdinand Porsche, a Porsche 356 or his "Fetzenflieger" (scroll to 1952) adorning the Chromjuwelen Motor Öl logo, Otto Mathé (1907-1995) was a legend in his own lifetime and dominated racing in Austria. Although he steered using only one arm (his right arm was paralyzed in an accident), he went from one victory to another. Niki Lauda still says that "Otto Mathé was the idol of my childhood".

The oil was named after Chromjuwelen ("chrome jewels"), the magazine for motor culture, since 2005 publishing issues related to classic vehicles at http://chromjuwelen.com. Like practically no other medium it is familiar with the needs of the individual car cultures, including everyday classics, exclusive unique specimens and high performance vehicles from international car racing. Chromjuwelen.com is a reference frequently quoted beyond the borders of German-speaking countries, especially when the topic is "Motorkultur".

Download: 

Press release and details (English)Press release and details (Deutsch)

Leaking: Chromjuwelen Motor Oil

Via Kai Petermann (stilsucht.de)

Via Sven Wiesner (beesocial.de)

Via Mark Bourichter (Dederichs Reinecke & Partner)

I agree — speaking of "leaking" in the context with a motor oil is kinda awkward. But "leaking" refers more to the fact it had to happen sooner or later somebody snaps a shot of our latest Chromjuwelen project and posts it on the interwebs. So it is our own fault. Nobody has forced us to showcase a handful of oil can dummies on our Continental Extreme film premiere. We knew what would happen — as we would do exactly the same. But to be honest: We wanted to know, what would happen. Precisely because we had a lot of automotive yournalists and gearheads on our guest list.

Ok, let's let the cat out of the bag. We teamed up with Mathy to design a Chromjuwelen Motor Oil specially made for classic cars. Formulated by Mathé Classic, both oils (15W-40, 20W-50) provide optimal protection against wear and corrosion — especially for vehicles only used occasionally. More to come soon, but maybe this helps to understand my Prototyp Museum post where I mentioned first that we have been fallen in love with Otto Mathé.

The feedback so far is overwhelming. It seems we have touched a nerve.

The Most Amazing Location Ever For A Birthday Celebration

Actually, I should have been at the 82nd International Motor Show in Geneva today. But I could not accompany my partner Chris, so he had to go alone. The reason for not going "Hunting the new A-Class" with Mercedes-Benz was I was invited to a birthhday celebration which I did not want to miss. 

The party was held at the Prototyp Museum Hamburg. Of course — I know the Prototyp Museum Hamburg from different events. But being seated in the middle of the exhibition was simply stunning. My seat was just next to Otto Mathé's "Fetzenflieger", a car I got bond with especially in the last months ...