From Race Track to Wardrobe – Gulf Oil’s Motorsport Legacy and Style

Gulf Oil’s unmistakable powder-blue and orange livery turns heads the moment it appears. For racing devotees, those colours stand for far more than an oil company logo—they summon memories of bellowing exhausts, overnight endurance stints and the sport’s golden years. In short, they’re a visual shorthand for speed and heritage that has blazed across circuits for generations.

Gulf Oil’s Racing Roots

Gulf’s ties to competition stretch back to the 1930s, when the company sponsored speed-hungry pioneers such as Ab Jenkins in the Mormon Meteor across Utah’s Bonneville Salt Flats. Those early exploits cemented Gulf’s taste for high performance.

The true hey-day arrived in the late 1960s through fielding the now-mythical Ford GT40 and later the Porsche 917. Victories at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1968, 1969 and 1970, 1971 turned both machines—and Gulf’s paintwork—into motorsport icons.

That period also birthed the striking blue-and-orange scheme, a break from traditional team liveries. The vivid contrast became instantly recognisable, its success on track giving the colours a reputation for grit, pace and panache.

Gulf later widened its reach alongside McLaren in Can-Am, IndyCar and Formula 1, cementing status across global motorsport. Today you cannot speak of endurance racing lore without tipping the cap to Gulf Oil.

Steve McQueen & the Gulf Myth (Le Mans 1971)

Gulf’s fame escaped the paddock in 1971 when Hollywood icon Steve McQueen wore a Gulf-branded suit in the cult film Le Mans. His character, Michael Delaney, piloted a Gulf-sponsored Porsche 917 through cinematic recreations of the world’s toughest endurance race, searing the colours into pop culture.

The impact was electric. Millions saw McQueen’s calm swagger intertwined with Gulf’s racing identity, elevating the livery to global fashion statement. The connection felt authentic too—McQueen raced off-screen and respected the sport, giving Gulf’s image real-world credibility.

From that moment the blue-and-orange stripes represented not just sponsorship, but attitude—cool, confident and forever linked to McQueen’s brand of rebellious glamour.

Gulf Collection by Grand Prix Originals Heritage Re-engineered

Rooted in decades of racing glory, the Gulf  Collection by Grand Prix Originals collection fuses retro inspiration with today’s streetwear cuts. Every garment references the brand’s storied past while remaining thoroughly wearable.

• Colours & Detailing – From bold colour-blocks on polos and jackets to subtle trims on caps and tees, the signature palette runs throughout. Retro logos, race-inspired stitching and nods to Gulf-backed teams such as McLaren and Porsche add depth.
• Quality Build – Crafted from premium fabrics, pieces are made to last—comfortable at a Sunday barbecue yet sturdy enough for trackside chills. This is a curated wardrobe, not throwaway merch.
• Local Availability – Now stocked nationwide, Aussie fans can finally claim genuine Gulf gear without importing. Whether you’re cruising to a cars & coffee meet or nipping out for flat whites, the range lets you fly racing colours with understated swagger.

Wearing Nostalgia, Living the Lifestyle

Pulling on Gulf apparel feels like stepping into a chapter of 1960s–70s racing history. Every tee, cap or jacket connects wearers to Le Mans nights, rumbling V8s and fearless drivers.

Yet this is no fancy-dress get-up. Vintage graphics and period typography are grounded in genuine archival reference, while modern tailoring keeps fits sharp. 

Sporting the livery quietly signals membership of a global fraternity that respects motorsport heritage. As Gulf itself notes, the colours have become embedded in lifestyle culture, carrying a sense of pride for those in the know.

Conclusion

Gulf Oil’s legend is no longer confined to the record books or pit walls—it’s now woven into fabric you can wear. After a century at the sharp end of racing, the brand’s powder-blue and orange stand for resilience, speed and timeless style; the Gulf  Collection by Grand Prix Originals range brings that ethos to everyday life.

For fans craving authentic vintage flair, the collection bridges past and present—offering jackets that echo Le Mans glory or caps that hint at McQueen cool, all built for modern comfort. Slip into Gulf gear and you’re not just dressing—you’re joining a lineage.Ready to carry the legend? Explore the full line at originalrace.com.au and add a genuine slice of motorsport history to your wardrobe.