Light blue and orange colored Porsche significance

[Meka]

I don't even want to try to explain why I need this questions answered.
When I was a kid I watched Steve Mcqueens Lemans movie about a thousand times.
Not for the great acting or story lines. But because I loved the cars.
There was a Porsche 917 that was painted light blue and orange. Almost a pink orange.
Over the years I have seen many classic racing Porsche's painted in the same colors.
Can anyone explain the significance of these Porsche's being painted in this odd color combo?
Was it a racing team colors?

Thanks Meka

[Wyvern]

Hi.

Do a google on "Gulf Porsche"
or even Gulf Oil ...
It will answer your questions.
Guf Oil was a sponsor for many years

here is some info

It was in 1967 that Gulf Oil emerged on the international motor racing scene backing the JW Automotive partnership to race license-built Ford GT40 derivatives. In their first year, the Gulf-Mirages saw considerable success and laid the foundations for the switch to the pure GT40 in 1968. That year the team beat Porsche to the World Championship, Pedro Rodriguez and Lucien Bianchi winning the all-important Le Mans 24 Hours, a victory Jacky Ickx and Jackie Oliver repeated in 1969.

With the Porsche 917 entering the JWA stable, Gulf liveried 917's excelled in the two following years at Le Mans, the Attwood/Muller car finishing second in 1971. During this era the powder blue and orange colours became immortalised by the Steve McQueen movie, "Le Mans".

Gulf's third and last outright victory at Le Mans came in 1975, achieved with the French classic's most successful driver pairing of all time, Jacky Ickx and Derek Bell.

Gulf's involvement in world endurance racing over the decades has seen it linked not only to the sports leading technology but many of the world's top drivers and cars. Johansson Racing's Audi bids to continue Gulf's fine tradition.

Vasant Bharath, Vice President Global Brand Development for Gulf Oil, commented: "The decision by Gulf, in it's centenary year, to return to Le Mans with the formidable Audi R8 and a driver line-up led by Stefan Johansson represents the latest chapter in Gulf's remarkable history. It's enthusiasm for motor racing, the public affection for the brand and the opportunity to create world-wide brand awareness are some of the influential factors in Gulf's decision to celebrate 100 years with a return to Le Mans."

[tony9704]

Without question, my absolute favorite color combination on a Porsche!

[trekkor]

does this offend?




KT