Gulf Racing at Rétromobile

Gulf Oil was founded in 1901 and was a major global oil company until the 1980s when it merged with Standard Oil. When Gulf Vice-president Grady Davis bought a Ford GT40 in1966 it became the starting point of the Gulf racing adventures. For many years during the golden age of endurance racing, Gulf partnered with the most famous car builders, harvesting the largest number of victories in endurance racing. The oil company also hired the best drivers including Jacky Ickx, Jo Siffert, Derek Bell, Denny Hulme, Jody Schekter, Pierce Courage, Chris Amon and Pedro Rodriguez. The Orange and Blue Gulf colour scheme became well-known on the racing tracks, but their popularity was much increased by the famous 1971 Steve McQueen's film ‘Le Mans’, in which the main character drives for the Gulf team. To celebrate 100 years of Gulf Oil, fourteen of the most famous racing cars from the ROFGO Gulf collection will be exhibited at Retromobile. Pictured here is the Gulf Mirage that finished fourth at the 1974 24h of Le Mans with Mike Halewood and Derek Bell at the wheel.

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