With the possible exception of an all-red Ferrari, this might just be the most recognisable livery in motor racing history. Marlboro’s logo and distinct shade of orange-red first began to appear on McLaren cars in the mid ‘70s, but it was in 1981 that the famous twin-chevron livery was introduced. It lasted in pretty much the same form – albeit with various alterations to fit the shape of the car – until the end of 1996, and during this time it also became a distinctive feature on the IndyCar circuit, identifying Roger Penske’s eponymous team for from the mid-80s up until 2006. You might argue that picking one of the fifteen-odd cars is much of a muchness – but hey, pointless minutiae are what this site is all about! In the end, I plumped for the 1989 vintage, as famously driven by the battling Senna and Prost. It featured the most archetypal elements – including Shell and Honda branding – and the distinctive, TAG Heuer-marked windshield also marked it out as memorable.
4 Comments
Karl
Phwoar!
The first ever NSFW F1 car.
gareth
Ah…I was expecting this much higher! I prefer the ones without the black down the side of the nose, but that’s just me. Those liveries looked fantastic with a certain yellow helmet too.
Marleen
I once made a painting of one of these for a calendar, but it said MarlEEN on the rear wing. So, I have fond personal memories of this car. Despite the tobacco adverts ;p
Marian
Seeing it in person was wonderful. And the livery wasn’t red at all. It was more like a fluorescent pink-red.