Duckhams is an iconic British lubricants brand producing engine oils and vehicle fluids for modern cars, classics, and commercial fleets. Founded in 1899, Duckhams is known for its heritage “green” Classic Q oils and its modern fully synthetic ranges (including QXR and QS), offering viscosity and specification options designed to match today’s engine technologies and service requirements.
Duckhams is one of Britain’s best-known names in engine oil, with roots dating back to 1899, when chemist and entrepreneur Alexander Duckham founded the company in London. Over the decades, Duckhams built a reputation for lubricant innovation and performance, becoming closely associated with British motoring history and motorsport culture.
Today, Duckhams offers a structured portfolio that serves multiple vehicle types and operating conditions:
Modern passenger car oils: The QXR range is positioned as fully synthetic, high-performance engine oil developed for modern engines and low-viscosity requirements (including ultra-low grades such as 0W-20 and 0W-16 in the line-up, product dependent).
Everyday and workshop-friendly options: The QS range covers widely used viscosities and “C” category variants (e.g., C2/C3/C4 naming in the product family), supporting compatibility-led servicing where the correct specification matters.
Commercial and fleet lubricants: Fleetmaster oils are presented for heavy-duty diesel applications, with SHPD-style products aimed at high-performance diesel engines (including turbocharged and naturally aspirated).
Classic and heritage oils: Classic Q 20W-50 is described as the original green multigrade motor oil and is marketed for older/higher mileage classic engines, aligning with long-standing handbook recommendations.
Alongside engine oils, Duckhams also supplies drivetrain fluids—such as manual transmission oils, CVT fluid, DCT fluid and ATF—helping workshops and motorists source a consistent brand across routine servicing needs.