It’s not your average gas station attendant’s uniform.
Executives with GrandPrix Originals USA have signed a licensing agreement with Gulf Oil Limited Partnership that brings a line of official Gulf-branded apparel to the United States.
The gear debuted during the international Rennsport Reunion 7 Porsche event in September, according to an announcement, with a strong response from motorsports enthusiasts and Gulf racing fans.
“From Gulf Oil’s first Le Mans victory 55 years ago with the Ford GT to the mighty Porsche 917s that kept the livery in the winner’s circle, the light blue and orange have become beloved worldwide,” said Jonathan Sieger, CEO of GrandPrix Originals. “That is why GrandPrix Originals Europe offers a stunning line of the largest collection of Gulf apparel worldwide. Previously, Americans could only purchase those handcrafted exclusive items in Europe, like at Le Mans Classic. We are excited that this new agreement allows us to bring this heritage Gulf line to the U.S., and we’ve got much more coming.”
Under the new agreement, GrandPrix Originals USA now offers a large selection of Gulf products that have been sold worldwide. The company started with a selection of 30-plus items at Rennsport Reunion 7, many of which sold out at the event.
Through the agreement, these products will be offered in both men’s and women’s sizes:
- Lambskin, leather, cotton & lightweight jackets
- Polos & T-shirts
- Shoes
- Hats
- Leather & canvas bags/luggage
“We are excited to add the GrandPrix Originals USA name to our family of merchandise licensees. With this agreement, fans in the U.S. can wear the famous orange and blue livery in celebration of the brand’s more than 120 years of heritage,” said Nikki Fales, vice president of marketing and payments at Gulf Oil Limited Partnership.
Over the years, the Gulf Racing livery has appeared in sports car racing, Formula 1 and other motorsports. It has adorned factory entries from Porsche, Ford, Aston Martin and McClaren, according to the company, and privateers and enthusiasts have often added the blue and orange scheme to their vehicles.
“Steve McQueen’s character, Michael Delaney, and the unmistakable blue and orange Gulf logo on his driver’s suit and Gulf livery on the infamous 917 in the 1971 film ‘Le Mans’ are some of the most memorable looks in motorsports,” said Jeany Zhao, co-owner and CFO at GPO. “Our Michael Delaney series in the Gulf Collection celebrates that era of racing. We are immensely proud and excited about our new relationship with Gulf Oil LP and look forward to what we can bring to American racing and fashion enthusiasts.”
New designs continue to make their way in for the holidays, the announcement added, as well as a full collection in the future.
