Drive & Lifestyle

GRANDPRIX ORIGINALS

The story of ‘Gulf Racing’ is unique and stretches back to the 1930’s, but it was in the 1960’s that the distinctive blue and orange livery became prominent and the iconic brand truly started to form.

In 1966 Grady Davis, vice-president of Gulf Oil bought himself a Ford GT40 and formed a lasting friendship with John Wyer. Nine eventful years followed with arguably the most successful commercial partnership in racing history. With Ford GT40’s, Porsche 917’s, three world championships, three outright victories at Le Mans and an association with some of the world’s greatest drivers – this was the golden era of sports car racing.

Pedro Rodriguez and Jo Siffert established new records everywhere they raced the Gulf Porsche 917, their exploits at Brands Hatch, Le Mans, Spa Francorchamps, the Nurburgring and Daytona are now legendary.

Steve McQueen’s film ‘Le Mans’ gave the Gulf Porsche 917 iconic status.