Aston Martin is set to return to Le Mans this year in the famous blue and orange Gulf Oil livery. Two DBR9 racers will sport the Gulf colours in the GT1 class, for which Aston currently holds the title.

First made famous in the 1960s on the Ford GT40 and later in the 1970s on the Porsche 917, the iconic Gulf liveries are synonymous with success in endurance racing. 2008 is particularly significant for Gulf as it marks 40 years since the first victory for a car dressed in Gulf colours (Ford GT40).

Equally iconic are the suitably Bond themed car numbers that have been designated for each Aston Martin: 007 and 009.