Video: Incredible collection of Gulf racing cars at Retromobile
A stunning new collection of racing cars: Entitled the ROFGO Gulf Collection by Duncan Hamilton and Grand Prix Originals, it is surely the most remarkable to be assembled for many years. It is owned by Roald Goethe and has been created by Duncan Hamilton & Co.’s Chairman, Adrian Hamilton, to satisfy the passion and vision of his client. It comprises no less than 14 of the most prominent cars ever to compete in the legendary colours of Gulf Oil; 12 of which had been displayed for all to see at Retromobile (February 2-6) – the annual feast of classic road and competition cars at Porte de Versailles, Paris and next to the Grand Prix Originals stand with their full range of Gulf Lifestyle and Automobilia.
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.
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.”
