British Racing Green is one of the most recognisable colours in automotive history, representing a rich tapestry of racing heritage, national pride, and engineering excellence. Its story is deeply interwoven with the evolution of motor sport, marking Britain’s rise in the global racing community and its legacy in the car industry and automotive craftsmanship.

Origins in the Gordon Bennett Cup

The roots of British Racing Green can be traced to the Gordon Bennett Cup, an international motor race conceived in 1900 by American newspaper magnate James Gordon Bennett Jr. The race sought to test the emerging automotive technology of the time and promote friendly competition among nations. Each participating country was required to designate a national racing colour. France adopted blue, Germany white, Italy red, and Britain was assigned green.

In 1902, Selwyn Edge, driving a British Napier, claimed victory driving between Paris and Innsbruck, marking the first time a British car had won an international motor race and granting Britain the honour of hosting the 1903 race. However, British road laws prohibited such events on public roads – which meant a new venue had to be found. Ireland, then part of the United Kingdom, offered to host the race within the scenic countryside of County Kildare. As a gesture of gratitude, the British team adopted green, paying homage to Ireland’s lush, rolling landscapes.

The 1903 Gordon Bennett Cup was a spectacle, with teams navigating the treacherous, unpaved roads of Ireland. The British team’s three green Napier cars, although distinct from today’s standardised British Racing Green shade, set a precedent for British racing teams. This moment marked the unofficial adoption of green as the nation’s racing colour. As for the race, the best finish any of the Napiers could manage that year was fifth place.

Over the subsequent years, green solidified its status, representing Britain’s participation in various motorsport events. The shade itself was not fixed; variations ranged from lighter, brighter greens to deeper, forest-like tones. This fluidity reflected the diversity of British manufacturers and their interpretation of the iconic colour.

Bentley Boys and pre-war glory

The 1920s and 1930s brought an era of dominance for British racing teams, particularly Bentley, whose cars epitomised the spirit of British Racing Green. The legendary "Bentley Boys," a group of wealthy and daring drivers, piloted dark green Bentleys to multiple victories at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. These wins established British Racing Green as more than a colour – it became a symbol of British engineering prowess and sportsmanship.

Other manufacturers, including Sunbeam and ERA (English Racing Automobiles), also contributed to the colour's prestige, fielding cars that combined the latest engineering thinking with competitive performance. By the late 1930s, British Racing Green was firmly entrenched as Britain’s motorsport identity.

Post-war renaissance

The aftermath of World War II brought significant changes to the world of motor sport. Amid the devastation, car manufacturers sought to revive the industry and showcase their innovations on a global stage. British Racing Green continued to play a central role, with teams like Jaguar, Aston Martin, and Lotus leading the charge.

Jaguar’s D-Type, painted in a darker shade of Racing Green, achieved iconic status with its three consecutive Le Mans victories from 1955 to 1957. Aston Martin followed suit, claiming the 1959 Le Mans title with its DBR1, also in British Racing Green. These successes reinforced the colour’s association with endurance, reliability, and elegance.

The Formula One era

The introduction of Formula One in 1950 provided another platform for showcasing the nation's favourite car colour. Teams including Cooper, BRM (British Racing Motors), and Lotus adorned their cars in variations of the colour, achieving remarkable success. Colin Chapman’s Lotus team, known for its innovative engineering, painted its championship-winning cars in British Racing Green until sponsorship deals in the late 1960s introduced commercial liveries to the sport.

One of the most notable moments came in 1962 when Graham Hill drove a BRM P57 to win both the Driver’s and Constructor’s Championships. This victory marked a peak in BRG’s prominence in Formula One, showcasing British talent on the world stage.

British Racing Green on modern cars

Although commercial sponsorships gradually replaced national colours in racing, British Racing Green retained its cultural significance. British car companies including Aston Martin, Bentley, and Rolls-Royce continued to use the colour in production models, connecting their vehicles to a storied past.

In contemporary times, BRG is more than just a paint choice; it is a statement of heritage and identity. Its shades have varied, ranging from the almost black tones used by Bentley to the brighter metallic greens of Lotus. Each manufacturer interprets British Racing Green in its own way, yet all pay homage to its origins.

The colour is more than a relic of racing history; it embodies a broader cultural narrative. For car and motor sport enthusiasts, it represents Britain’s golden age of motor sport, when innovation, determination, and craftsmanship defined an era. For manufacturers, it symbolises a connection to a proud lineage and a commitment to excellence.

Unsurprisingly then, collectors and dealers often seek cars finished in British Racing Green.

A sustainable future

In recent years, the legacy of British Racing Green has intersected with a growing emphasis on sustainability. While the colour traditionally represents speed and competition, it now also reflects a commitment to preserving history responsibly. Car manufacturers have embraced greener practices, aligning with the ethos of environmental responsibility while honouring their past.

This evolution ensures that British Racing Green remains relevant in a modern context, bridging the gap between heritage and innovation. From its origins in the Gordon Bennett Cup to its place in modern motoring, Racing Green has transcended its role as a mere colour. It is a symbol of British engineering, a marker of success on the world stage, and a connection to the rich history of motor sport. Whether on a racetrack or in the showroom, British Racing Green continues to evoke pride and admiration, cementing its status as a timeless colour chosen by drivers around the world.

If you would like to know more about Racing Green’s services, or arrange for your car to be placed in our care, please speak with a member of the team, on 03330 909722, or email us at enquiries@racinggreencarstorage.co.uk