Gulf Oil
Gulf Oil's foray into racing began in 1937 with the acquisition of Ira Vail and Harry Miller's racing car project, leading to the development of groundbreaking mid-engined, four-wheel-drive cars for the Indianapolis 500. Despite initial setbacks and a fatal accident in 1940, Gulf's innovative designs, featuring disc brakes and supercharged engines fueled by their own pump fuel, made a mark on the racing scene. Ultimately, the project was sold to Preston Tucker in 1946, marking the end of Gulf's early involvement in direct race car development. Gulf Oil is most widely recognized for its iconic light blue and orange livery, famously associated with the John Wyer Automotive team's Ford GT40 and Porsche 917 in the late 1960s and early 1970s. This color scheme, popularized by Steve McQueen's portrayal of a Gulf team driver in the 1971 film "Le Mans," has become one of the most recognizable in motorsports. Gulf's racing heritage also includes a sponsorship of Team McLaren during Bruce McLaren's era, highlighting the brand's enduring connection to high-profile racing endeavors.
