Gulf Racing Collection at Retromobile

Gulf Racing livery is the most iconic in the world of motorsport so it’s quite an occasion when the best of them are assembled in one big event for fans to cherish!

That is what ROFGO Gulf Collection by Duncan Hamilton is all about. The collection comprises no less than 14 of the most prominent cars ever to compete in the legendary colours of Gulf Oil; 12 of which are this week being displayed for all to see at Retromobile (February 2-6) – the annual feast of classic road and competition cars, Porte de Versailles, Paris.

So there’s your chance to see some of the coolest and most legendary race cars of the world, all in Gulf livery.

Making the most of his 45 years handling the purchase and sale of some of the world’s finest historic road and competition cars, Adrian Hamilton has managed to track down and acquire the cars in just two years – itself a remarkable feat. Ranging in age from 1967 to 2010, the cars include examples of some of the greatest racing machines ever produced, many of which were campaigned by legends of the sport. All were sponsored by one of motor racing’s longest-standing and loyal supporters – Gulf Oil; the unmistakable livery of which is guaranteed to set pulses racing and rekindle memories of titanic duels at Le Mans, Spa Francorchamps etc.

In chronological order the 14 cars are:

Chassis No.10002 – the first Gulf-liveried car to run at Le Mans

Chassis No.1084 – 4^th, SPA 1000 km, Hawkins/Hobbs

Chassis No.BT26/4 – 1^st German GP, Ickx

Chassis No.M14/A2 – 2^nd South African GP, Hulme

Chassis No.026 – 2^nd, Le Mans 24 Hours, Attwood/Muller

Chassis No.12 – Nürburgring 1000 km, Siffert, DNF

Chassis No.M20/3 – 1^st, Watkins Glen, Hulme

Chassis No.704 – 4^th, Le Mans 24 Hours, Bell/Hailwood

Chassis No.K8/07/SP – 6^th, Le Mans 24 Hours, Bell/Lassig/Donovan

• 1996 McLaren F1 GTR Longtail

Chassis No.022 – 3^rd, Hockenheim 4 Hours, Bscher/Nielson

Chassis No.07 – 7^th, Le Mans 24 Hours, Gosselin/Ojeh/Ragues

Chassis No.007 – 4^th in GT1, Le Mans 24 Hours, Frentzen/Piccili/Wendlinger

Chassis No.DBR1-2/2 – 1^st, Asian Le Mans series, Okayama, Mucke/Primat

• 2010 Lamborghini Gallardo

GT2 Championship, Giroix/Goethe

Said Adrian Hamilton, “My career has been punctuated by many remarkable cars – eg the one and only Mercedes-Benz 196 Grand Prix car in private hands, some nine Ferrari 250 GT0s, 20 GT40s, seven Porsche 917s and numerous Jaguar C and D-Types etc – but few projects have been as enjoyable and satisfying as this one. Like all racing enthusiasts I’ve grown up with the Gulf brand and it is a tremendous privilege to be able to build such a unique and lasting tribute to one of the greatest names in our sport. I am extremely indebted to my client for the opportunity.”