Histroy of GULF & GULF Racing
Gulf Oil ltd. was founded in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, in 1901. The company produced fuel and lubricants until it merged with Standard Oil in 1984.
Gulf became famous across the world as a racing sponsor. From 1967, Gulf was the main sponsor of the John Wyer Automotive Racing Team. The high-powered cars in the prominent light blue and orange Gulf Racing colours raced from success to success. During the nine years of sponsorship, three world championships and three victories in Le Mans were won. The Ford GT and Porsche 917 from this era have since become icons in racing. The Gulf Porsches dominated racing circuits in the years 1970 and 1971, and in both years won the automotive racing world championship.
At the same time, the Gulf Porsche appeared on the big screen in Steve Mc Queens Racing epic, Le Mans. The passionate race driver and “King of Cool” opted to co-star with the racing car in light blue and wore a Gulf overall. This caused great demand for the accessories shown in the film and the Gulf brand appeared outside the racing arena for the first time.
In 1975, John Wyer´s Mirage GR8 with a Cosworth engine won Le Mans once more. Afterwards, Wyer retired from racing. There were further successes for Gulf Racing. For example, the sponsored Audi R8 won the European Le Mans series in Gulf’s 100th anniversary year. In the GT 1 series in 2007, a light blue and orange Aston Martin DBR9 won once more in Le Mans. This success was repeated in the following year, 40 years after the first victory. Gulf Racing still participates in all major long-distance races and championships.
GULF Eyewear
Motor Sports wouldn’t be what it is without the Gulf Racing Team. The symbol of many successes and associated with the icons FORD GT and the legendary Porsche 917, their drivers had a decisive impact on the style of their time. These individuals also possessed great skills outside the racing circuit. These adventurous people, wildly active and creative, represent courage and cool. Their names are familiar to every motorsport fan today.
The sunglasses of our Gulf Eyewear Collection transport this spirit into our time. They are originals with a strong character and meet the highest quality standards by using race-tested high-tech materials. These limited-release glasses have been optimized for use behind the steering wheel. Start your future successes with the coolness of Gulf Eyewear.
Suitable for racing!
GULF - Eyewear by tenelenti
Tenelenti GmbH was founded in August 2016 by two professionals in eyewear.
The designer Wilhelm Groscurth – responsible for the design and technical development – and Karin Hamann – commercial head of the company – have both been working in the optical industry for more than 25 years.
Wilhelm Groscurth finished his studies in the faculty of product design in 1988 and since 1993, he concentrates his capabilities on optical frames and sunglasses. At Tenelenti, he deals with the design and technical development of the frames in cooperation with the manufacturers. His wide know-how of colour and surface design is also influencing the product development. Also, the creation of presentation items – like e.g. cases, cloths, displays etc. – is part of his job.
Since almost 30 years, Karin Hamann is working as international purchaser of spectacle frames. Through frequent visits of the production facilities and intensive, long standing cooperation with the manufacturers a large technical knowledge of spectacle frames and also sunlenses has grown and it is being used since 2009 in her job as self-employed purchaser. Karin Hamann has also gained a lot of experience in the license business. Purchasing and logistics for brands like Aigner, Cerruti 1881, FILA, Karl Lagerfeld, Longines, Marc O’Polo, Michalsky, Wunderkind, Porsche Design, Reebok and Mercedes Benz were part of this job so far.
Both together are now using their wide experience for the first own collection. In cooperation with selected partners excellent high-value components are produced and completed to premium frames of the brand GULF by first class manufacturers.
