Design
To talk about the history of motorsport is to talk about Gulf's iconic livery and its involvement in racing since the 1930s .
Their winning cars and legendary drivers are etched in the memory of all fans.
For the Gulf Motion project, we have drawn inspiration from 6 models to commemorate Gulf's greatest milestones and bring them into the present in the most innovative and modern way.
Each of these vehicles tells a story. Would you like to hear it?
1938
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MILLER GULF SPECIAL
The origin, the starting point where it all began. This was the first Gulf-sponsored car at the legendary North American race. Even without its corporate colors, it marked a milestone in Gulf's entry into motorsport sponsorship. Although it didn't achieve victory, its participation laid the foundation for Gulf's enduring legacy in motorsports. This car represents more than just a presence on the track; it symbolizes the initial stages of Gulf's glorious journey in the world of racing.
1964
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FORD GT40
Without a doubt, the most successful tandem and one of Gulf's pinnacle moments in motorsport. The first victory under Gulf colors in the legendary endurance race: the 24 Hours of Le Mans. In 1968, Pedro Rodríguez and Lucien Bianchi were the first to cross the finish line aboard the FORD GT40. The rest is automotive history: the Ferrari vs. Ford rivalry in the 1960s resulted in four victories for the American team, two of them in Gulf livery. This legendary model owes its name to the acronym "Grand Turismo" and to the car's overall height (40 inches), its V8 engine, and a historic paint job that we can never forget.
1968
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PORSCHE 908
Once again, a winning Porsche in the history of Gulf Motorsport. This model is indisputably linked to the legendary Targa Florio, one of the oldest and most famous races in the world, held in Sicily, where it achieved victory in 1970 with its characteristic "arrows." Its Swiss driver, Jo Siffert, leading Brian Redman's team, made history in a race renowned for its danger and difficulty.
1970
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PORSCHE 917K
The Porsche 917K Gulf is one of the most iconic racing cars in history, and its "Kurzheck" (short tail) version was designed to maximize stability and top speed at Le Mans. Under its striking blue and orange livery, this car was powered by a 4.5-liter boxer engine that developed over 600 hp, allowing it to exceed 360 km/h (220 mph) on a straight line. Despite its brutal power, the chassis and aerodynamic work—with its optimized rear wing and shortened bodywork—made it surprisingly maneuverable in corners. At the 1970 24 Hours of Le Mans, the Porsche 917K Gulf achieved a historic one-two finish (first and second place), cementing its legend. Today, it remains an icon of the fusion of cutting-edge engineering and timeless design, a car that encapsulates the essence of Gulf on the track.
1994
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PORSCHE KREMER K8
Without a doubt, a car from the most recent history of competition. After almost 20 years of absence from the Gulf colors on the track, its return came with the PORSCHE SPYDER K8 KREMER. The challenge was to sponsor Derek Bell to equal Jacky Ickx's record of six Le Mans victories. The car? This Porsche adapted with the legendary blue and orange livery of yesteryear. Bell achieved a creditable sixth place on the famous La Sarthe circuit.
1995
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McLaren F1 GTR
McLaren is another brand with which Gulf shares much of its sporting success. This model, designed by Gordon Murray as the “ultimate” road car, was never originally intended for racing. However, he was soon convinced to adapt it and manufacture several examples for the 1995 season. The quality of the road car was such that it required minimal modification to transform it into a winning sports car. Success came quickly: in the 1995 24 Hours of Le Mans, the GTR achieved 1st, 3rd, 4th, and 5th places, as well as the highest top speed of that year, 281 km/h (177 mph). Undoubtedly, an essential piece in our project.
