What: 1997 BMW M3 Coupe Color: Gulf Blue (code source unknown) VIN: WBSBG9325VEY75602 Mileage: 136,000 miles Price: $28,000 with 1 Day left to bid at time of writing CarFax: N/A Window Sticker: N/A Location: Cincinatti, OH Link: Bring a Trailer
Though not an uncommon color by any stretch, we can’t say we’ve ever seen Gulf Blue on a BMW before. Worth noting then, the car you see here isn’t some über rare BMW Individual build but rather an extensive respray.
We’re typically pretty strict about resprays. We definitely cover them, but prefer to focus on cars that appear to have gone to great lengths to make the new color appear factory and without going too far overboard with modifications. According to the BaT listing, the work on this car totaled $60,000 with Precision Sport Industries in Oviedo, FL.
On the outside, the car looks like a BMW Individual factory car. Inside, changes are more extensive including removal of the rear seat, a half cage, aftermarket steering wheel, stereo, Recaro seats and more. Whether or not that’s for you, or whether you try to find a clean Vader interior is really up to you, but we think it’s pretty wonderfully unique regardless.
Oh, we almost forgot to mention, the overhaul also includes an upgraded S54 engine. Added kit goes well beyond this though, so check out that listing for all the details.
What: 1973 Porsche 911 T 3.5 Color: Paint to Sample Gulf Blue(golfblau; non-metallic UNI; 328; Porsche) VIN: 9113103388 Mileage: 3,300 miles BidPrice: $115,000 at time of writing Location: Ryan Friedman Motorcars, Glen Cove, NY Listing: Link
Okay, it’s a build. However, it’s a build done in an exceedingly factory-like appearance. This car began life as a 911T, though as it sits it’s a lot more widebody RSR style. And whereas modern cars painted Gulf Blue throw a nod at the rich tradition of Gulf Racing liveries on old Porsches, an old racing Porsche in Gulf Blue is a whole other level of tribute.
The car is up for auction on Bring a Trailer, listed for sale by our friends over at Ryan Friedman Motorcars. Check it out, including the Bring a Trailer link for much, much further details on the build.
What: 2016 Porsche Boxster Spyder Color: Paint to Sample Gulf Blue(golfblau; non-metallic UNI; 328; Porsche) VIN: WP0CC2A85GS152908 Mileage: 413 miles Price: $149,979 CarFax: Link Window Sticker: See Gallery Location: Atlanta, GA Listing: Gas Motor Cars
It seems that especially when it comes to the Porsche side of Tailored Driver, some are more adamant about getting ‘the spec’ as opposed to something they can realistically use. Take this Porsche Boxster Spyder in Paint to Sample Gulf Blue, paired with carbon buckets, carbon ceramic brakes, and a 6 speed manual. Pretty tasteful spec all in- but train your eyes on the center console. That hole you see is where the radio and air conditioning controls should reside. Now, we’ll admit that in Silicon Valley where this Driver was initially delivered, A/C may not be quite as important as you’d think and songs or navigation can be handled with any phone from the past decade. But the car wasn’t driven. Just 48 miles were on the odometer when owner 2 registered the car in South Carolina- where A/C is a must. Perhaps it makes sense then, that just under 350 miles later we find the car for sale in Georgia. Is that a bridge too far, or could you live with a heater-only, radio-less Boxster Spyder?
What: 2024 Porsche 911 GT3 RS Color:Porsche Paint to Sample Gulf Blue(gulfblau; non-metallic / non-metallic UNI; 328; Porsche) VIN: WP0AF2A98RS273619 Mileage: 50 Price at Time of this Writing: $459,990 CarFax: N/A Window Sticker: N/A Location: Fort Worth, TX Dealer listing:Link
Why we love it:
Sometimes the whole Gulf Racing thing can go a little overboard. It get’s done, and it get’s done a lot, but doesn’t always work… a little too ambitiously racey for a road car. The 911 GT3 RS though, it’s already got heavy racecar feel to it anyway, and those aerodynamics functional. So, spec in Gulf Blue with Weissach Package, orange stitching and orange graphics and fight the urge to logo it up and we’d argue this is one of the cooler livery-inspired 992 GT3 RS specifications we’ve seen.
The car is no mileage, and has a pretty massive markup. That is what it is. It’s an amazing spec. If you’re tired of waiting in line or not in line at all, and you really want a GT3 RS with some racing flair, it’s hard not to love this thing.
A trend with some roots in history from Porsche’s Sonderwunsch department we’re really coming to appreciate is the paying of tribute to moments in Porsche Motorsport history. Porsche Singapore has gotten in on the action, with this special 911 GT3 Touring built to celebrate the brand’s participation in the legendary Mille Miglia.
Porsche Singapore shared on Facebook:
“A thousand miles, laser focus, foot to the floor: this was the formula to win at the legendary Mille Miglia road race that ran in Italy from the 1920s to the 1960s. Fun fact: cars were numbered according to their start times in the rally – so a 7:22 AM start meant one’s car would be numbered ‘722’!
This 9/11, we celebrate the romance of road racing with a special livery paying tribute the legendary Mille Miglia road race, on our ultimate road racer: the 911 GT3 with Touring Package.
Check out this specially-decorated car at Porsche Studio Singapore, on display until 22 November.
We reached out to Porsche Singapore to learn a bit more about the car. Namely, we can confirm the light blue paint is Gulf Blue (gulfblau; non-metallic / non-metallic UNI; 328; Porsche), and we admit we wouldn’t have guessed that straight away. Typically paired with Gulf Orange and perhaps dark blue as part of a Gulf Oil livery, the Gulf Blue here almost takes on a more green hue when paired with the Italian TriColore red, white and green.
SUMMARY: The term “icon” may be loaded. For starters, the word itself is used far too often, in a way that waters down the value of the label. And, in the case of a truly iconic color such as Gulf Blue (gulfblau; non-metallic / non-metallic UNI; 328; Porsche), the color also tends to get over-used by Paint to Sample clients seeking the obvious Porsche motorsport heritage play. And what a play it is.
Gulf Blue gets is name from the petroleum company bearing its name. Gulf Oil has been a longtime sponsor of racing. Its trademark livery with its blue and orange color schemes have adorned race cars from far more brands than simply Porsche. Lore suggests Gulf colors used as racing livery began in 1967, with the brand’s first major win at the 24 Hours of Le Mans painted to a Ford GT40 a year later in 1968, and then again in 1969. For 1970, Gulf shifted to Porsche and adorned the 917K. That same year, Steve McQueen and his Solar Productions crew showed up in Le Mans to film the movie by the same name Le Mans. The latter catapulted the blue and orange into the consciousness of automobile and racing fans around the world, and it kicked off a long association between Gulf and Porsche.
Gulf Blue is a non-metallic light blue, almost a powder blue and not far off from what American college football fans would call a Carolina Blue. It’s quite common in the Paint to Sample Porsche space, and often paired with other race livery colors such as navy blue and orange (a.k.a. Gulf Orange, but that’s a color for another Color Focus).
Commissions Starting at $375,000–The RSR Project Channels Ethos of Lightweight Design with Newly Presented 1986 Custom Build
[source: The RSR Project]
BEDFORD HILLS, NY – The RSR Project is intensely focused on honoring the illustrious seventies racing style of Porsche in all of the company’s custom builds inspired by the very same era. Newly presented, The RSR Project proudly unveils another delightfully analogue one-of-a-kind restoration and modification of a 1986 Porsche channeled into an absolutely stunning Gulf Blue (gulfblau; non-metallic / non-metallic UNI; 328; Porsche) 911 custom paying homage to the iconic 1973 RennSport Rennwagen (RSR). Starting at $375,000, the new 235-hp 1986 Gulf Blue 911 from RSR Project is made for daily driving and unlike many restorations, meant to be used by clients for enjoying the open road.
Starting life as a 1986 911, the latest highlighted RSR Project build features a 3.4L engine upgraded from the original vehicle’s 3.2L, significantly increasing overall power output to 235-hp. The additional horsepower and performance is specially designed by RSR Project to mirror the uniquely raw, crisp experience found behind the wheel of an original RSR classic. RSR Project also concisely integrates a host of other body modifications to further reduce vehicle weight.
While original RSR 911 iterations regularly sell at auctions for millions of dollars, RSR Project presents clients with a reimagined car that is meant to be driven in the same captivating style and sublime on-road driving experience as the classic. First conceived in 1973 as the absolute apex of the Stuttgart factory’s incredible engineering prowess, the lightweight RSR cars historically built a reputation as being the cars to beat in global racing challenges on track and off, including the 24-Hours of Le Mans. Literally translated from German “RennSport Rennwagen” to English “Racing Sport Racing car,” RSR cars became the alpha version of Porsche’s venerated 911 series.
“I actually started RSR Project to build a custom for myself. As soon as enthusiasts and collectors took a look at my finished car out on the road, many wanted one for themselves. My background is in operations and manufacturing, so my professional skill set has served RSR Project well as more and more clients commission cars with us,” comments Richard Schickman, Founder of The RSR Project. “Original RSR cars are almost impossible to find these days, and if a collector does manage to procure one, they seldom drive it. Inversely, RSR Project builds cars that are made to be driven. While many companies strive to make classic cars into something decidedly modern, RSR Project recaptures the original essence of the RSR in a period correct way that better suits drivers today. RSR Project cars are not for everyone, but driving purists that know the original car can come to us.”
RSR Project starts every commission by sourcing a donor body from a vehicle dated between 1984 – 1989. Porsches from this era were built with galvanized bodies preventing many from rusting even decades later. The approach allows RSR Project to streamline the conversion process, as there are less differences in body and interior styling from that era than with newer nineties renditions of the 911. Following a complete disassembly of the donor vehicle, RSR Project deletes all superfluous vehicle features including the original factory electric windows and electric seats to reduce overall vehicle weight to the absolute minimum.
Clients have the option of a subtly integrated A/C unit, but the Gulf Blue client opted to go without this upgrade to keep the car even more nimble. RSR Project further reduced weight by removing the car’s front and rear impact bumpers and front and rear metal deck lids. Clients can also reduce further weight by having RSR Project integrate a special aluminum hood. RSR Project also introduces a special ducktail spoiler to reimagine the beautiful silhouette of the original vehicle.
The RSR Project takes a minimalist approach to the cabin, lining the contours of the saloon in ultra-lightweight Perlon carpet and vinyl appearing throughout the headliner, dashboard, and door panels. While many restoration specialists introduce opulent interior customizations, RSR Project instead focuses on recapturing the spartan, race-ready essence of the original. The new 1986 RSR Project custom includes the classic RS door panels alongside original styled seats, which are swathed in super-premium leather and Scottish Tartan. A vintage dashboard is integrated along with fully updated new gauges, and a WEVO racing-style shifter. RSR Project also offers a roll-cage option for safety. RSR Project engine modifications include the installation of race spec cams, which introduce aggressive lift and duration profiles to optimize airflow and power at high RPMs. Additionally, RSR Project fine-tunes the ECU with a Steve Wong Chip (SW Chip), resulting in improved throttle response, increased horsepower, and enhanced overall engine performance. To further boost the engine’s capabilities, RSR Project has increased the engine displacement from 3.2 liters to 3.4 liters. This increases displacement, combined with the high-performance camshafts and custom ECU tuning, delivers a smoother, more powerful driving experience that exhilarates.
RSR Project engines are comprehensively rebuilt and detailed to factory-new condition with clients having the option between 3.2L, 3.4L or 3.5L engine formats. Additional engine appointments can include stock, PMO or custom fuel injection. All gaskets and rubber on board each engine is fully replaced, making each customized build absolutely brand new inside and out. Clients have the option to choose between the original single-piston factory brakes or upgraded four-piston brakes with sharper stopping power. The new RSR Project 1986 Gulf Blue build features upgraded four-piston brakes engineered for improved on-road driving dynamics. The vehicle’s suspension is also completely rebuilt with new Bilstein shocks and bushings with Braid wheels (11×15 in rear and 9×15 in front) wearing sticky Michelin TB-15 tires.
Prior to each vehicle delivery, every RSR Project car is thoroughly road tested and shaken-down to rigorous standards to ensure the highest expectations of quality and performance. Commissions for a bespoke RSR Project car now start at $375,000 with vehicle delivery typically taking 12 – 18 months. To learn more about The RSR Project, please visit www.thersrproject.com.
The RSR Project Specializes in Creating Restored, Reimagined Vintage Eighties Era Cars That Capture the Classic RSR Styling, Alongside Captivating Modern Performance to Create a Truly One-of-a-Kind Driver’s Car
[source: The RSR Project]
BEDFORD HILLS, NY – For Porsche purists and collectors, The RSR Project presents a stunning new custom hand built 1985 RSR Carrera 911 in Gulf Blue (gulfblau; non-metallic / non-metallic UNI; 328; Porsche) and vibrant orange livery. Initially conceived in 1973 as a representation of the absolute apex of Stuttgart’s factory engineering prowess, the lightweight RSR cars epitomized the very best in performance with an emphasis in being the car to beat in global racing challenges on track and off, including legendary endurance and rally showcases such as the 24-Hours of Le Mans and La Carrera Panamericana. Literally translated as “RennSport Rennwagen” (i.e. Racing Sport Racing car), RSR cars became the pinnacle of high-performance, race-ready 911 Carrera cars.
Specializing in the restoration and custom modification of RSR 911 from a very specific period (1984 – 1989), The RSR Project expertly brings a glorious era of vintage race car back to life with one of a kind examples such as this new 1985 Carrera 911 RSR finished in the celebrated Gulf colors. Featuring stunningly appointed interiors adorned with stylish houndstooth patterning and available options for rare imported Scottish tartans, The RSR Project modifies each car for thrilling driving on today’s modern roads.
Historically known for exceptional engineering, lightweight, nimble handling, and brilliant, razor-sharp RSR badging across the lower side of every 911, each build from The RSR Project currently starts at $375,000.
While prime examples of RSR cars remain red hot at auction, The RSR Project focuses on delivering a true driver’s car to collectors and enthusiasts, the new custom 1985 Gulf Blue RSR build is the latest example of truly stunning craftsmanship by way of an endless obsession for detail. Featuring new, larger brakes to keep pace with the high-performance engine, The RSR Project’s newest custom is made as a driver’s car that instantly demands respect while feasting on the open road.
“The newest Gulf Blue RSR is very similar to the original custom car that I first built for myself. Each commission from The RSR Project is a real driver’s car manifested in a very special, unique way. While The RSR Project upgrades everything from the engine, shocks, brakes, and further reduces overall vehicle weight where possible, our goal is to create the perfect driver’s car for those that know and appreciate vintage Porsche,” comments The RSR Project Founder Richard Schickman. “Our new 1985 Gulf car represents a perfect intersection of restoration and modification in a vintage era 911 Carrera RSR that drives superbly by modern standards, while also retaining its original, grandly realized intent.”
Started in 2017 as a low-volume passion project by Richard from a deep admiration for early RSR cars, The RSR Project was born when he restored and modified a 1977 911 Carrera RSR for himself. Drawing on his experience as a teenager working in an auto body shop in New York, Richard stripped down an original 1977 3.2-liter and meticulously rebuilt and restored the car from the ground up. Realizing everything in that RSR down to his exact specifications, Richard integrated signature body paneling, a completely new, crisp and completely reimagined period-correct interior, rebuilt engine, and updated shocks and suspension.
Shortly after completing his personal car, enthusiasts and collectors started asking Richard to sell the car. And so, The RSR Project was born.
“While RSR cars remain must-have cars to own on the collectible side, they really aren’t that ideal for driving today. The RSR Project gives collectors the rare chance to experience one of the most sought after Carrera without any sacrifices,” Richard continues. “The RSR Project delivers simply incredible driving thrills, real fun, and a daily driving usage case for the vintage 911 Carrera RSR for enthusiasts that is almost impossible to to argue with when behind the wheel.”
Each RSR Project car starts by sourcing a 1984 – 1989 vintage Porsche with a galvanized body and no accident history or rust. Every aspect of the donor vehicle is then stripped down with the entire drivetrain, suspension, glass, and interior removed in preparation. Each RSR Project car then has all steel flares channeled into the original vintage body.
RSR Project clients have myriad options to consider while conceptualizing their very own high-performance vintage 911 Carrera commission, including adding a ducktail spoiler as well as other unique bodywork designs that reduce vehicle weight while honoring the RSR Porsches from the era they were inspired by. Each exterior body is also adorned with the Carrera badging gleaming across the sides of the custom RSR colorway in striking orange paint.
Each vehicle interior undergoes an all-new beautifully restrained, reimagining punctuated by premium seating, lightweight carpet, new-classic dashboard, RS door paneling, headliner, visors, and updated front and rear glass. For comfort and convenience, an upgraded air conditioning system with modern compressors and condensers was integrated inconspicuously into the dash of the new Gulf Blue which is available for all builds for an additional $10,000. Keeping in the spirit of the marque, minimalist interior seamlessly flows alongside updated mechanics that are completed in a period correct fashion, delivering a deliciously analogue on-road experience that flawlessly delivers a peerless expression of vintage design polished with modern ingenuity as well as performance.
The RSR Project custom engines are comprehensively rebuilt and detailed to factory-new condition with clients having the option of choosing between 3.2L, 3.4L or 3.5L engine formats. Additional engine appointments include stock, PMO or custom fuel injections. All gaskets and rubber on board each engine are fully replaced, making each customized 911 absolutely brand new inside and out. Each RSR Project car receives a fully rebuilt suspension with new shocks and bushings. Large 4-piston brakes are fitted to each corner of the Gulf Blue as an additional option at extra cost. Clients also select between 15×11 and 15×9 Braid wheels wearing sticky, versatile Michelin TB-15 tires when specing out their cars.
Prior to each vehicle delivery, every RSR Project car is thoroughly road tested and shaken-down to rigorous standards in order to ensure each and every build meets the highest expectations of quality and performance.
Commissions for a bespoke RSR Project Carrara 911 RSR build now start at $375,000 with vehicle delivery typically taking 12 to 15 months. As experts in classic Porsche restoration and modification, The RSR Project provides personalized advisory services to each client, ensuring the delivery of an absolutely remarkable vintage-inspired Porsche made for daily driving that precisely suits their exact preferences. To learn more about The RSR Project, please visit www.thersrproject.com.
Fifty years after the death of Mexican racing driver Pedro Rodríguez, a Porsche 911 Turbo S ‘One of a Kind’ has been commissioned, with plans afoot to auction it off for charity.
[source: Porsche AG]
With two Formula One Grand Prix wins, a victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, and four triumphs in the 24 Hours of Daytona, Pedro Rodríguez is undoubtedly the most successful Mexican racing driver of all time. During his illustrious career he walked away with 11 titles in the World Championship of Makes – now known as the World Endurance Championship (WEC) – and he helped Porsche to win the series in 1970 and 1971. Eight of his 11 wins were in the Porsche 917 KH with the distinctive Gulf Oil livery.
Now, 50 years after he lost his life at the Norisring street circuit in Nuremberg, Germany on 11 July 1971, Porsche Latin America and Porsche Mexico have commissioned a special tribute. Working with Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur, a unique car has been built – the Porsche 911 Turbo S ‘One of a Kind’ Pedro Rodríguez, which was unveiled during a Sportscar Together Day at the Centro de Alto Rendimiento Pegaso, in Toluca, Mexico.
“Pedro Rodríguez continues to be the Latin American driver who has given Porsche the most triumphs and joy,” explained George Wills, President and CEO of Porsche Latin America. “With this unique car in the world we want to pay tribute to a unique, irreplaceable driver, an idol of the past and a legend of today.”
Distinctive details and design
In paying tribute to a racing driver who was a one-off himself, the unique 911 created in his memory had to have a distinctive design and details. “This car has unique elements that no other car in the world could have,” says Camilo San Martin, Director of Porsche Mexico. “This configuration, with these specific details and equipment, has been locked in the Porsche configurator, as well as in the production system, so that this car is literally unrepeatable.”
As well as working with Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur, Porsche Latin America and Porsche Mexico worked alongside Rodríguez’s family and the Porsche Museum to create a car that not only pays tribute to the legendary Mexican driver, but also the 917 KH with which he achieved glory.
The Gulf blue 917 KH as inspiration
Painted in iconic Gulf blue with an orange stripe running across it, the ‘One of a Kind’ is based on the 911 Turbo S. The specially designed wheels are painted in high-gloss black, with an aluminium centre lock and the doors feature a black number two in a white circle.
Another distinctive element is the plaque located on the B-pillar, which bears a silhouette of the 917 KH in the colours of the Mexican flag and the name and signature of Rodríguez. This same detail is reflected in the carbon moldings on the lower door frames, which light up when opened. Similarly, the names of the eight races he won with the 917 KH are engraved under the rear spoiler.
nside, the 911 is fully upholstered in graphite blue leather with orange stitching and while the 917 silhouette features on the front seat headrests, Rodríguez’s signature can be seen on the centre armrest and on the carbon fibre dashboard trim.
The car’s personalisation even goes as far as the accompanying key, which not only features the signature of the two-time world endurance champion but is painted in Gulf blue. The car also includes a bespoke luggage set in graphite blue leather with orange stitching and details.
The Porsche 911 Turbo S “One of a Kind” Pedro Rodríguez will be auctioned off later this year. The proceeds will go to various charitable causes.
