Near linear higher olefinic hydrocarbons produced by the oligomerization of lower olefins using surface deactivated zeolite catalyst can be converted to a mixture comprising slightly branched and linear higher alpha olefins. These alpha olefins are oligomerized to lubricant grade hydrocarbons in contact with cationic, Ziegler or coordination catalyst. Oligomerization of the aforementioned alpha olefins using reduced valence state Group VIB metal oxide catalyst on porous support provides a hydrocarbon lubricant with a viscosity index of greater than 130 at 100.degree. C.