Custom, bespoke, special, unique, throwback, etc… are all appropriate descriptions of this one of kind Gulf Liveried 720S created in-house by McLaren Special Operations (MSO) program. The iconic Gulf Oil racing colors are a throw-back to the McLaren F1 GTR race cars and also a nod to the renewed relationship between McLaren and Gulf.
Gulf colors were first seen on McLaren race cars, in both F1 and Can-Am, from 1968-1973. It was then again seen in the ’90s on the legendary F1 GTRs, which managed to top the podium at LeMans in 1997. Gulf came on as the “preferred lubricant supplier” to McLaren in 2020.
“The 720S in Gulf colours celebrates two high-performance brands who draw on a deep automotive and racing history that have embarked on a new strategic partnership to excite customers and fans around the world. This project is a showcase of MSO’s capabilities and echoes the recent full restoration of the McLaren F1 GTR 25R, a car raced in the 1990s. The 720S in such an evocative livery and interior finish, created in close association with Gulf, which perfectly shows the potential for our customers to work with MSO’s skilled team to personalise their McLaren.” -Mike Flewitt, Chief Executive Officer, McLaren Automotive
McLaren Gulf Livery 720S
The MSO program creates bespoke one-off vehicles based on production McLaren vehicles. Personalization is the key to this program.
To flex its muscles and highlight the return of Gulf as a strategic partner with McLaren the MSO group created this stunning 720S. The car not only sports a Gulf racing livery, which took 20-days to hand-paint, but also a ton of small custom details that tie the theme together.
On the outside, this includes orange brake calipers to go along with the orange racing stripe and Gulf logos. A thin orange stripe on the wheel lip also helps make the big wheels pop, and look especially good when moving.
As you enter the Gulf Livery 720S you’ll see Gulf logos painted in the door sills and embroidered on the headrests. Orange seat belts and stitching also help set off the all-black interior. From the driver’s seat you’ll appreciate an orange center band and blue on the carbon fiber spokes of the steering wheel.
To take it that one step further McLaren has painted the key shells to match the livery of the car.
While not a race car, the McLaren 720S is no slouch on the performance front. It is crazy light, has a carbon tub, active suspension, active aero, and a massive twin-turbo V8. Think sub-3-second 0-60 mph and a top speed of 212 mph.
“Bespoke”?
The weird part for us is to hear that there is an “Opportunity for limited number of customers to commission Gulf livery through discussion with MSO.” This seems odd, as “bespoke” is what MSO cars are all about. If there are more Gulf liveried 720S rolling around they are all worth a lot less than if there was only one.
Either way, we know we can’t afford one, but want one. What a beautiful machine!
