While most people find gasoline fumes unpleasant, a passionate subset of car enthusiasts associates its scent with nostalgia, excitement, and positive memories. Currently, no mainstream fragrance product caters to this unique sensory preference, leaving an untapped opportunity at the intersection of perfumery and automotive culture.

The Fragrance Concept

One approach could be developing a wearable perfume that replicates the sharp, slightly sweet, and metallic notes of gasoline while ensuring it's subtle enough for daily use. The formula might balance authentic gasoline aromas with wearable fragrance components to avoid being overpowering. Variations could include scents inspired by diesel, motor oil, or racing fuel to appeal to different automotive subcultures. The packaging and branding could lean heavily into car culture aesthetics, potentially collaborating with automotive influencers or brands for authenticity.

Market Potential and Execution

The primary audience would likely consist of three groups: car enthusiasts who romanticize gasoline smells, nostalgia seekers with automotive memories, and fragrance collectors seeking unconventional scents. An MVP might start with a single gasoline-scented perfume sold directly online, with potential to expand into variants and merchandise like car air fresheners if successful.

Existing products like Demeter's "In the Garage" or Maison Margiela's "Fuel" touch on similar themes but either cast a wider net (general garage scents) or take a more abstract approach. This concept would stand out by fully embracing the gasoline theme with car culture authenticity.