Heritage
The Gulf brand has a rich history. Gulf Oil was founded in 1901, at the time of the discovery of oil at Spindletop, Texas. Gulf Oil promoted the idea of branded product sales by selling gasoline in containers and from pumps marked with the famous and distinctive orange disc logo.
The world’s first ever forecourt carried the Gulf orange disc back in 1913, and it now has a presence in more than 100 countries.
Well known for its motor racing history, Gulf’s signature light blue and orange racing colours have become synonymous with the sport after sponsoring legendary racing teams and cars, perhaps most famously with the association of Steve McQueen and Le Mans.
Gulf Oil sponsored John Wyer’s (JW) sports car team with great success. In 1968, the JW Automotive Gulf Ford GT40 won the 24-Hours of Le Mans and the World Endurance Championship and the same car again won at Le Mans in 1969.
Wyer then raced the factory-backed Porsche 917s, perhaps the most famous sports-racing cars of all time? They won the World Championship in 1970 and in 1971. A JW Automotive Gulf Mirage Ford won the 24-Hours of Le Mans in 1975.
In tandem, Gulf Oil sponsored Bruce McLaren’s racing efforts in Formula One and, more successfully, in the popular Canadian-American (Can-Am) sports car championship, which it dominated between 1968 and 1971.
In his seminal 1971 movie Le Mans, Steve McQueen plays a driver racing for the Gulf team, in one of Hollywood’s most acclaimed motorsport pictures. Today at Le Mans, Gulf still has a presence with the Aston Martin Racing Team.
Gulf Oil also strongly supported land speed records too, sponsoring Ab Jenkins’ blue and orange liveried streamliners at the Bonneville Salt Flats and Harry Miller’s Indianapolis racer, named the Gulf-Miller.
Today, the Gulf orange disc has reached iconic status, enjoying strong brand recognition with people from all over the world.
Built on such foundations of innovation and excellence with a specialism in endurance and performance, Gulf in the UK is now backed by the might of Certas Energy, renowned for its professionalism and committed people: a powerful combination that has resulted in businesses all over the country joining Certas Energy and rebuilding the Gulf brand strength.
Gulf Oil is one of the most famous oil brands in the world, with a rich history and a bright future. With the support of Certas Energy, the brand continues to go from strength to strength in the industry and you could join us on our journey. As a Gulf branded retailer, you can enjoy the best of both worlds: an independently owned and operated business – Certas Energy, with the support and backing of one of the world’s most recognised brands.