Keep it simple stupid. The Castrol GTX branding on this Lotus 70 is simply perfect. In fact, it prompted this post.
For years, and for obvious reasons, oil company marketing directors have been funneling huge sums of money into motorsport, at every possible level, Formula 1 to Schoolboy Motocross.
But, who does it best?
Gulf Oil, synonymous with two colours, and of course the Le Mans 24hr, with the Ford GT40, Porsche 917 and the Mirage of John Wyer's JW Automotive Team adorned with the the Blue and Orange. Porsche's 908/3, part lightweight endurance racer part Hillclimb special, suiting the tight twists and turns of the likes of the Nürburgring and Targa Florio. Seen in various Gulf liveries, the standout with the single left sided orange arrow. However the Trackhouse Aprilia seen above, caught out everyone in the MotoGP paddock with its Gulf sponsorship and what a livery! Rarely seen on two wheels, still simple, clean, instantly recognisable.
STP and #43, the Petty dynasty. NASCAR legends, simple, clean and an instantly recognisable association.
The Shell logo has adorned the flanks of Ferrari's Formula 1 and Sports Cars for decades, again, simple, clean and recognised globally.
although, I'm of an age that also associates Shell with ShellSport, Ford and Saloon car racing, particularly the Escort in the UK and Europe, it couldn't have been any simpler.
Shell and Ford in Australia have tapped into the Australia's biggest motorsport championship, the Supercars, o although its branding shares space with a multitude of partners. Less clean as a result but you know its still Shell that are the primary sponsors.
Mobil, another company with huge worldwide investments in motorsport.
The 993 bodied Porsche GT1 is peak Mobil 1 motorsport marketing, clean, bright and memorable.
You'd expect Mobil to be all over NASCAR, they dont disappoint.
Spanish giants Repsol, for so many years a mainstay in the MotoGP paddock adorning Honda's works bikes. They also know supported Nissan across many platforms.
Talking of Nissan, Motul, Penzzoil and HKS were amoung many companies recognising the global attraction of Japan's GT series, dominated by home car manufacturers.
Staying in Japan and back to Castrol. Tom's Toyota's Green, Red and White Supra GT500, instantly recognisable.
It wouldn't be inconceivable to publish a decent coffee table book on famous oil company liveries, there were so many.
Rally sponsorship, prominent at the front (think about it) a name and a colour surface.
Peugeot happy to jump into bed with anyone with money, and why wouldn't they.
The ROC Elf Honda, the bike with the funny front end, sponsorship so deeply routed the bike was just " the funny Elf thing"
It seems Elf like funny front ends.
The Mclaren F1 GTR looks good in any colour scheme!
Back to simple. UOP, maximum impact, simple design.
In answer to who does it best?
In my opinion, Castrol. Across multiple platforms, time and again, memorable and instantly recognisable.
Keep it simple - Castrol GTX
However, search "oil liveries" or even "vintage oil liveries" online...... Orange and Blue are the predominant colours.
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