British Racing Green is one of the most recognizable colors in the automotive world, but many may not know the story behind its origin. This iconic shade is the official color of international motor racing for the United Kingdom. In 1903, while Ireland was still a part of the United Kingdom, the hue made its debut at the Gordon Bennett Cup. While car racing on public roads was illegal in Britain, Ireland made it possible for the British team to compete. As a gesture of gratitude, the British cars were painted in Shamrock Green, a nod to Ireland’s heritage. Over time, this color became known as British Racing Green.
During the 1920s, British Racing Green gained even more prominence, particularly when Bentley achieved great success at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, using different variations of the color. In 1929, the first Monaco Grand Prix saw British driver William Grover-Williams driving a Bugatti painted in British Racing Green, further cementing its association with high-performance racing. The color continued to dominate in the 1950s and 1960s, when teams like Aston Martin, Vanwall, Cooper, Lotus, and BRM made waves in Formula One and other prestigious races, proudly displaying the green shade.
The influence of British Racing Green didn’t stop at the racetrack. It also became a popular color for road cars. Iconic models like the Mini Cooper, assembled in Oxford, and special editions like the Mazda MX-5’s “British Racing Edition” paid homage to British automotive history. Even Ferrari incorporated British Racing Green into some of their designs, showcasing the elegance and sporty spirit that the color represents.
Unexpectedly, this legendary color found its way onto modern vehicles like the 500 Spiaggina ICON-E, proving that British Racing Green continues to inspire and captivate car enthusiasts worldwide. What began as a respectful nod to Ireland has evolved into a symbol of British racing excellence and heritage.
Who Started British Racing Green?
British Racing Green originated in the early 1900s, a time when British race car drivers were facing significant challenges. Racing was banned in the U.K., forcing enthusiasts to seek competitions abroad. By 1902, a British team was ready to compete in the prestigious Gordon Bennett Cup, but they needed a unique color to represent their nation on the starting grid. With red, white, and blue already taken by other teams, driver Selwyn Edge chose a light green for his Napier race car.
The following year, when the race was held in Ireland, British drivers opted to use a darker shade of green, honoring Ireland’s nickname as the “Emerald Isle.” This deeper green, also referred to as Shamrock Green, became a symbol of respect for the host nation and marked the beginning of a lasting tradition in British motor racing.
British Racing Green has since become synonymous with British motorsport, representing not only a color but a rich history of innovation, speed, and competition. Its legacy spans over a century, from its early days on the Napier race cars to the modern luxury and performance cars that continue to use this iconic shade.
Why British Racing Green in F1?
British Racing Green has been a defining color for British motorsport for over a century, becoming synonymous with success and tradition. Following the 1903 Gordon Bennett Cup, many British automakers such as Sunbeam, Bentley, Aston Martin, and Lotus adopted various shades of green to represent their heritage in racing. Even drivers of non-British cars embraced British Racing Green to signal their British roots.
By the late 1930s, the Code Sportif International made this color official, mandating that British-based teams use it in Federation Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) events. These rules extended to Formula 1, where British teams raced in green shades. Along with this, the FIA assigned specific colors to other countries, including red for Italy, silver (or white) for Germany, blue for France, and blue and white for the United States.
British Racing Green remained a staple in F1 until the late 1960s. At that time, Lotus requested an exemption from the color mandate, choosing to display a black-and-gold livery reflecting its sponsor, Players. A few years later, the FIA abandoned its national color rules altogether, and British Racing Green faded from the F1 scene. However, Jaguar revived the iconic color in 2000, bringing it back to the grid.
What Pantone Is British Racing Green?
Interestingly, there isn’t a single definitive shade for British Racing Green. Over the years, the term has evolved to refer to a range of green hues, with the darker tone from the 1929 Monaco Grand Prix becoming the most recognized version. British driver William Grover-Williams, driving a Bugatti, showcased this darker green, solidifying its place in racing history.
For those seeking a more precise color reference, the Pantone code most closely associated with British Racing Green is 20-0182 TPM, labeled simply as “Racing Green.” In the CMYK color system, the combination is often represented as 1.00, 0.00, 0.44, and 0.74, while the RGB code hex for this iconic shade is #004225.
What Cars Come in British Racing Green?
British Racing Green is not only famous in racing but also a popular color for road cars. Automakers like Jaguar, Bentley, and Mini have long embraced the shade, making it a signature choice for their models. The color was even featured on the first-generation and second-generation Mazda Miata, offering a special edition in this iconic hue.
In recent years, Jaguar has continued the tradition with its F-Type coupe and convertible, which are available in British Racing Green. Mini, now under German ownership, still proudly offers the color across various models. Even the Tesla Roadster paid homage to the legacy by offering a “Racing Green” option, celebrating the color’s historic connection to British automotive excellence.
The Birth of a Classic British Finish: British Racing Green
The iconic British Racing Green has a rich history, tracing its roots back to the early 20th century. One of the first recorded uses of this shade was on a Napier car that participated in the 1902 Gordon Bennett Cup, a race from Paris to Vienna. Under the control of driver Selwyn Edge, the car averaged 31.8 mph over a 351.5-mile race, bringing victory to Great Britain. This victory marked a turning point in British motorsport and began the association of British cars with the distinctive green hue.
The Origins of Racing Colors
The Gordon Bennett Cup was unique because it required each competing country to use cars entirely built from components manufactured in their homeland, including the driver. To distinguish teams, nations were assigned colors: France adopted blue, Belgium took yellow, Germany chose white, Italy selected red, and Britain chose green, leading to the birth of British Racing Green. This green livery became the signature look of British cars and racers from that point forward.
The Golden Age of British Racing Green
British manufacturer David Napier entered the 1901 Gordon Bennett Cup with his 50-horsepower car. Despite their good performance, the British Dunlop tires were unable to support the vehicle’s weight, therefore French tires were used, and the car was disqualified for violating the “all parts must be from the home nation” rule. However, Napier learned from this setback and developed a lighter car for the 1902 race, which survived the entire race, unlike its competitors, bringing home the Gordon Bennett Cup victory for Britain.
In preparation for the 1903 race, Britain faced a challenge—British law prohibited cars from exceeding 12 mph on public roads. To resolve this, the race was relocated to Ireland, where local laws were adjusted to allow for racing. Out of respect for their Irish hosts, the British team painted their cars in a darker shade of green called Shamrock Green. This was the first official reference to a British car being painted green as a national livery, solidifying British Racing Green as a lasting symbol of British motorsport.
A Legacy in Different Shades
Throughout history, there has never been a single, definitive shade of British Racing Green. Napier cars originally raced in pale olive green, while early Bentley racers used a green so dark it was nearly black. Despite these variations, British Racing Green has remained a beloved symbol of British automotive excellence, with its legacy carried forward through various shades.
British Racing Green in Modern Times
The influence of British Racing Green extends far beyond the racetrack. The color remains prominent in modern motorsports, with Jaguar using it for their return to Formula One in 2000. Bentley also utilized the color for their Speed 8 cars during the 2001-2003 Le Mans 24 Hour races, and Lotus adorned their Formula One cars in British Racing Green in 2010. Aston Martin, known for their iconic green DBR9 racing cars, returned to Formula One in 2021 with their cars painted in British Racing Green.
This classic color also continues to influence road cars. Today, British Racing Green is a popular paint choice for many British sports and luxury car manufacturers. Originally a solid color, it has evolved into a metallic finish for modern cars. Brands like Aston Martin, Jaguar, Lotus, Bentley, and Land Rover continue to offer models in British Racing Green, paying homage to its storied history. Even non-British automakers such as Ferrari, Fiat, and Mazda have offered cars in this hue. Mazda’s special British Racing Green edition of the MX5 was inspired by the legendary Lotus Elan, which motivated Mazda to develop the MX5.
Celebrating British Racing Green for More Than 119 Years
In 2021, British Racing Green celebrated its 119th anniversary as the national racing color of Great Britain. This shade, a symbol of elegance, speed, and heritage, is expected to remain a key part of British automotive culture for generations to come.
British Racing Green Car Care at Windrush
At Windrush, we’ve had the privilege of caring for countless British Racing Green classics in our long-term car storage facilities in London and the Cotswolds. Our professional washing and drying regimes ensure that this iconic finish remains pristine, while our eco-friendly car storage program keeps every vehicle in top condition. Whether your car is painted in British Racing Green or any other color, trust Windrush for impeccable care and storage.
Conclusion
For more than a century, British Racing Green has been a representation of the country’s automotive legacy. It is more than just a color. From its humble beginnings in the 1902 Gordon Bennett Cup to its resurgence in modern motorsport and luxury cars, this iconic shade represents speed, tradition, and elegance. With various shades evolving over the years, British Racing Green has remained a beloved and timeless choice, symbolizing the pride of British engineering both on and off the track. As it celebrates more than 119 years of legacy, its influence in the automotive world continues to thrive.
FAQs about British Racing Green
1. What is British Racing Green?
British Racing Green is a famous color associated with British motorsport teams. It first appeared in 1903 and has become a symbol of British automotive excellence, both in racing and on the road.
2. Why is it called British Racing Green?
The British racing teams that wore the hue for the first time in 1903 at the Gordon Bennett Cup are the ones who gave it its name. The British team chose green to honor Ireland, where the race took place, and the name stuck.
3. When was British Racing Green first used?
The color was first used in 1902 on a Napier car during the Gordon Bennett Cup, but it became widely recognized in 1903 when the British racing team adopted it.
4. Is there one specific shade of British Racing Green?
No, British Racing Green does not refer to a single shade. Over the years, it has ranged from lighter olive greens to deep, almost black greens. It has evolved to include metallic finishes in modern cars.
5. Why was British Racing Green chosen for racing cars?
It was chosen as a national racing color for British teams after a ban on road racing in the UK. When the Gordon Bennett Cup moved to Ireland, British drivers adopted green as a tribute to the host country.
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