Gulf stars at Retromobile 2011

Gulf Oil International in conjunction with Duncan Hamilton & Co. , displayed the first public viewing of the ROFGO Collection at the Retromobile Show 2011 in Paris

THE GREATEST EVER COLLECTION OF ORIGINAL GULF RACE CARS WOWS THE CROWDS AT RETROMOBILE IN PARIS

Gulf’s iconic orange and blue racing colours starred at this year’s Retromobile – one of the world’s top classic and collector car events - as the largest collection of original Gulf race cars ever was showcased at the Paris expo.   A dozen cars from the ROFGO collection were on display at the event, representing more than 40 years of Gulf in international motorsport. They included examples of almost all of the significant marques and models that have helped build Gulf’s reputation as one of the most famous brands ever to be involved in motorsport.  It marked the greatest display of race cars yet assembled that have carried the trademark blue and orange colours, or that have raced with allegiance to the famous Gulf brand.   More than 70,000 people visited this year’s show, which was a near record crowd and the response from public and industry alike was fantastic.

“We are truly delighted to have been able to help make this incredible display of Gulf sponsored cars available for motoring enthusiasts at this year’s Retromobile,” comments Gulf Oil Vice President International, Alain Dujean. “Fans of the Orange Disc and of wonderful historic racing cars obviously enjoyed the spectacle. It represents an unprecedented selection of cars that illustrate Gulf’s contribution to motorsport history and have helped build Gulf’s enduring reputation as one of the most widely recognised oil brands in the world.”   Mirage, Ford GT40, Porsche, McLaren and Aston Martin sports racers, together with a number of Formula 1 cars that were all Gulf-supported, were seen together, on display, for the first time.   The Gulf cars of the ROFGO Collection, were kindly loaned to the organisers of Retromobile by their owner under the auspices of Gulf Oil International in conjunction with retro motorsport clothing manufacturers, Dakota.   From the earliest car – the 1967 Ford Mirage, through to last year’s Aston Martin Racing Le Mans Prototype, the cars in the collection have been lovingly assembled from all over the world by enthusiast Roald Goethe, with the assistance of classic car expert, Adrian Hamilton.   “The cars were extremely well received,” commented Adrian Hamilton. “Numerous people told us how delighted they were to see all the cars together for the first time.”

Gulf is instantly associated with the Ford GT40, Porsche 917 and Mirages of the ‘60s and ‘70s and, most recently with Aston Martin. All of these cars were on display at Retromobile but this tour through Gulf’s motorsport history also served to remind that Gulf was McLaren’s oil of choice and regular sponsor for many years in Formula One, Can-Am and Indycar racing.     Retromobile also featured one of the iconic Gulf-McLaren Can-Am cars, the M20 that took victory at Watkins Glen in 1972, together with Denny Hulme’s 1972 M14 Formula One car and one of the spectacular longtail Gulf-McLaren F1 GTR sportscars from 1996. Also featured at Retromobile was the Brabham BT26 that won the 1969 German GP in the hands of legendary Gulf driver, Jacky Ickx.   “Retromobile has a very special place on the International Automobile calendar and Gulf’s presence there has certainly sparked a huge amount of interest,” enthuses Gulf Oil International Brand and Marketing Manager, Sam Cork. “The display has already generated great coverage on automobile websites and there are several well viewed video pieces on YouTube. I’d like to thank everyone who helped bring the display together – it has certainly been a great success for Gulf in helping further raise the profile of the brand.”

For high resolution versions of these images or further information on Gulf’s Motorsport Programme please contact Sam Cork: sc@gulfoilltd.com