McLaren Automotive has premiered the McLaren Elva Gulf Theme by McLaren Special Operations (MSO), a celebration of the renewed relationship between McLaren and the Gulf Oil brand and another example of how designs from McLaren's racing history are inspiring the brand's modern-day customers.

The unique McLaren roadster in blue and orange Gulf colours makes its world debut at Goodwood Speedweek, a 'closed-doors' live broadcast event bringing together the past, present and future of motoring and motorsport at the Goodwood Motor Circuit in the U.K.

McLaren and Gulf recently confirmed a new partnership that renews a historic union between the two brands that originated in the 1960s, a decade when both companies made their first forays into motorsport. Gulf branding appeared on McLaren's Can-Am, Formula One and Indy cars from 1968 to 1973.

Two decades later, McLaren F1 GTRs run by customer team GTC carried the famous Gulf livery in global GT racing, including at Le Mans.

Under the new partnership, McLaren Automotive customers will have the opportunity to commission Gulf-liveried cars directly from MSO. These follow cars inspired by the famous facing livery designed and produced by MSO prior to the renewed relationship being agreed.

The Elva links McLaren's heritage to its present and future with a name and style that recalls the McLaren-Elva sports racers of the 1960s. These were among the first sportscars designed and raced by Bruce McLaren and the company he founded, and the new Elva evokes the true spirit of driving enjoyment symbolised by this era.