Collection of Gulf Racing cars unveiled at Retromobile

This Wednesday (February 2) will see the public unveiling of a stunning new collection of racing cars. Entitled the ROFGO Gulf Collection by Duncan Hamilton, it is surely the most remarkable to be assembled for many years. It has been created by Duncan Hamilton & Co.’s Chairman, Adrian Hamilton, to satisfy the passion and vision of one of his private clients. It 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.

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:

1967 Mirage
Chassis No.10002 – the first Gulf-liveried car to run at Le Mans

1968 Ford GT40
Chassis No.1084 – 4th, SPA 1000 km, Hawkins/Hobbs

1969 Brabham BT26
Chassis No.BT26/4 - 1st German GP, Ickx

1970 McLaren M14
Chassis No.M14/A2 – 2nd South African GP, Hulme

1971 Porsche 917
Chassis No.026 – 2nd, Le Mans 24 Hours, Attwood/Muller

1970 Porsche 908/3
Chassis No.12 – Nürburgring 1000 km, Siffert, DNF

1972 McLaren M20
Chassis No.M20/3 – 1st, Watkins Glen, Hulme

1974 Mirage
Chassis No.704 – 4th, Le Mans 24 Hours, Bell/Hailwood

1994 Kremer K8
Chassis No.K8/07/SP – 6th, Le Mans 24 Hours, Bell/Lassig/Donovan

1996 McLaren F1 GTR Longtail
Chassis No.022 – 3rd, Hockenheim 4 Hours, Bscher/Nielson

2006 Courage C65 LMP2
Chassis No.07 – 7th, Le Mans 24 Hours, Gosselin/Ojeh/Ragues

2008 Aston Martin DBR9
Chassis No.007 – 4th in GT1, Le Mans 24 Hours, Frentzen/Piccili/Wendlinger

2009 Aston Martin LMP1
Chassis No.DBR1-2/2 – 1st, 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.”