GULF OIL-CAV License

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AUTO FUTURA – PRESS RELEASE DISTRIBUTION 28/11/2007
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--- [FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE]---

Auto Futura Secures Official Licensee from Gulf Oil for the CAV GT

The Cape Town based manufacturers of the CAV GT, Auto Futura (Pty) Ltd, have secured the exclusive rights to finish their car in the famous Gulf Oil Livery. The Gulf Oil colours became synonymous with the iconic GT40 in the late sixties with consecutive Le Mans wins in ’68 and ‘69. Company directors Jean Fourie and John Spence said they were proud to announce the recent signing of an Agreement with the Gulf Oil International Group. The timing could not be better with the 2008 Le Mans 24 hour race being the 40th anniversary of Gulf Oils first victory at Le Mans in a GT40.

The agreement licenses them to be the only manufacturer a GT40 recreation to officially distribute their car in the full Gulf Oil livery. After the 1968 & 1969 victories of the J.W.A.Gulf team, the GT40 would forever be remembered as the powder blue car with an orange stripe that beat the best at Le Mans. It was these two classic Le Mans victories along with Steve McQueen’s brilliant 1970 film titled “Le Mans” that made the Gulf Oil logo and colour scheme into an icon of motor racing.

The CAV GT Gulf Oil Cars will be 500 HP versions of the car, complete with Gulf flare rear wheel arches, period BRM rims, Weber IDF carburetors, nubuck leather interior with subtle Gulf Oil logos embroidered on the seats and 5 point safety harnesses. The cars will also have special chassis plates identifying them as being officially licensed Gulf Oil Cars. Their chassis numbers will be added to a Gulf Oil CAV GT register and the history of these cars will be tracked. Owners will receive an official certificate from Gulf Oil confirming that the car is a licensed Gulf Oil car. The cars will be available in 4 different versions of the colour scheme, complete with period sponsor stickers. A range of CAV GT Gulf Oil clothing and sports gear is also planned.

The Gulf Oil brand has never been stronger and is as relevant today as it was in the sixties. “The association is a good one for both companies” comments John Spence. “Where ever we take one of our cars it attracts a crowd. It is incredible that a car designed over 40 years ago can still stir the emotions so strongly. It is however, the cars in Gulf colours, which attract the most attention. I think it takes people back to the golden era of motor racing, to cars and brands the average man in the street could really identify with”.

Gentleman racing is one of the fastest growing sports in Europe. With congested roads and ever stricter speed limit enforcement on public roads, motoring enthusiasts are taking to the track in their hoards. It is not just about racing though, it is about nostalgia. The CAV GT allows you to be transported back to this era. Recently, a retired Le Mans driver commented that driving the CAV GT was like being in a time machine. The grin on his face told the story of a time in his life he remembered fondly, a time before paddle-shift transmissions and the plethora of electronic driver aids thrown at us in modern cars.

The annual 24 hours Le Mans race is where the Gulf brand receives the maximum exposure for its future plans and its brand values of Courage, Endurance, Inspiration and Youth. To learn more about Gulf today, please visit: Gulf Oil International.

For more information on the Gulf Oil CAV GT contact Auto Futura:

Tel: +27 21 702 3307 or +27 21 702 3081
Fax: +27 21 702 2419
E-mail: [email protected]
 
Oh dear...licensing. There are a lot of unlicensed GUlf-colored GT40s out there; I hope nobody gets in trouble. Personally, I'd expect to be compensated by Gulf for rolling around in a powder blue car. :p:
 
If the Cav Gulf cars are to be faithful to the Mark I Gulf cars of the 60's, why IDF carbs, and no mention to RHD/Sill shift. Most important, when are these cars going to make it to customers if they place an order today, and what are we talking about for a price.

I see alot of bunnies running around looking for food.
 

Keith

Moderator
I don't think it's as complex as that:

"The agreement licenses them to be the only manufacturer a GT40 recreation to officially distribute their car in the full Gulf Oil livery."

Which is what it is. Doesn't seem anything to stop an owner doing it, just a manufacturer, but is anyone going to care?

What I like is this bit....

"The cars will also have special chassis plates identifying them as being officially licensed Gulf Oil Cars. Their chassis numbers will be added to a Gulf Oil CAV GT register and the history of these cars will be tracked. Owners will receive an official certificate from Gulf Oil confirming that the car is a licensed Gulf Oil car. The cars will be available in 4 different versions of the colour scheme, complete with period sponsor stickers. A range of CAV GT Gulf Oil clothing and sports gear is also planned."

Food, bunnies - I like that metaphor... :)

However, it's another indicator of the shifting market. No longer the grease stained 3-5 year garage monkey - but "gentlemen drivers". Plus ca change - plus ca meme chose.....

What with SPF and all do you think it's time to split the whole Forum shebang into 2 parts? The "Gentlemen" and the "Rest?" (Good God, the Rest even have dirty overalls and cracked nails!)

It's all getting a bit sophisticated now ain't it?

Official Gulf Chassis Plates - Ha ha ha...what a laugh.... :D
 

Mike Pass

Supporter
Oh dear! Why pick one replica maker over any other to be "official"? Just exactly what we don't need. Where will this end? We all appreciate the heritage of Gulf Oil and their legendary colours. I think I might try for an official seal of approval for a very particular shade of dark green, also a nice bright red etc. etc.
Just my 2c.....
Mike
 

Malcolm

Supporter
It's just marketing. CAV are trying to offer something that is a little bit different. To some customers it will appeal and others it won't. However I wonder if they will get the correct shade of blue and orange? No one here seems to agree on what it should be and I suspect that Gulf would only be able to confirm a likeness as opposed to a particular paint code.

Is this any different to saying you have continuation chassis numbers? Not really.
 
Do not worry at all the Pale / Powder blue PO30-8013 and Marigold PO30-3393 are not the true Gulf colours but ones of the Wiltshire Oil Company (that Gulf acquired). So all you have to do is to say your car is not in Gulf colours but Wiltshire Oil colours!!!
Regards Allan
 
I would have thought that Gulf would want as many GT40's as possible in original Gulf colours - it is all good advertising for them. I don't think anyone who is not "licenced" will have any problems.

Chris
 
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