By Allison Watkinson
TLL Reporter
GrandPrix Originals USA and Gulf Oil LP have signed an agreement to bring licensed Gulf Oil Racing apparel to the US market.
Under the new licensing agreement, GrandPrix Originals USA is now offering a wide selection of officially licensed Gulf Oil Racing products that had been previously available in the European market.
“Since Gulf Oil’s first Le Mans victory 55 years ago with the Ford GT to the mighty Porsche 917’s that kept the livery in the winner’s circle, the light blue and orange have become beloved worldwide,” said GrandPrix Originals CEO, Jonathan Sieger. “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 US, and we’ve got much more coming.”
GrandPrix Originals USA is a motorsports lifestyle brand that offers high-quality racing-themed apparel and footwear to consumers in the US.
“We are excited to add the GrandPrix Originals USA name to our family of merchandise licensees,” said Gulf Oil VP, Nikki Fales. “With this agreement, fans in the US can wear the famous orange and blue livery in celebration of the brand’s more than 120 years of heritage.”
The Gulf Racing collection offered by GrandPrix Originals USA includes items such as jackets, polo shirts, t-shirts, shoes, hats, bags and luggage.
The products in the collection feature imagery and iconography inspired by Gulf Oil’s official racing livery, company logo, team badge, and the popular 1971 film, Le Mans.
“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 GrandPrix Originals CFO, Jeany Zhao.
“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. All of us at GPO truly love motorsports,” added Zhao. “To us, this isn’t just merchandise; it’s a tribute to an iconic legacy and the impeccable craftsmanship we stand by.”
The products included in the collection are made using a variety of high-quality materials such as lambskin, leather, cotton and canvas.
“All of our products are designed, developed and manufactured to perform,” said GrandPrix Originals co-owner, Marco Ruf. “From buttery soft lambskin jackets to rugged bags, each is a work of functional art. Our apparel fits right in wherever there is speed and style.”
The Gulf Oil x GrandPrix Originals USA apparel line was first introduced to the public during the Porsche Rennsport Reunion 7 that took place from Sept. 28 to Oct. 1, 2023.
Additional Gulf Oil-themed apparel designs are expected to launch in the coming weeks.