Review: La Passione Livery Jersey GT
(2021) In the pantheon of iconic motorsports liveries, the orange/ zenith colorways that splashed across endurance racing in the 1970s is hard to beat. La Passione beautifully matched colors with a comfortable jersey that we love to reach for as the northern hemisphere heads into warmer weather.
Cycling has ushered in a resurgence of iconic motorsports liveries. None has been more popular than the Gulf colors, a petrol company who have sponsored the likes of the Porsche 917 and Ford GT 40. Gulf is so recognizable that simply having the colors on the car and not the company name is good enough for advertising. La Passione has taken this concept and applied it to their Livery Jersey. They have beautifully captured the Gulf livery of the golden age of endurance racing. Colors are one thing, but what about the fit?
La Passione’s Livery Jersey GT orange/ zenith captures the spirit of Gulf sponsorship in endurance motorsports in the 1970s.
La Passione does not cut corners. Slipping on the Livery jersey was an experience. With generous sleeves, the jersey fits as one should. Sizing feels true throughout the cut. Our experiences have been easy on/ easy off. The sleeves go straight to their spot. The Silicone waist gripper holds the bottom portion in place without the sense of pulling or tugging. The zipper is no slouch, and it closes the jersey up to the minimalist neckline. Down the sides of the jersey is a generous mesh for those days when the ride heats up down the Mulsanne Straight. We have also found satisfaction in the bright orange shoulders to enhance visibility in the still-long shadows of springtime. The color blocking is definitely in the correct order.
The back of the jersey is also impressive. Down the middle pocket is a racing line reflector. Each pocket is comfortably placed, tapering away from the spine for ease of access. It’s easy to feel stylish with the Italian construction. This is one of those jerseys we will use daily as well as on special occasions such as the 24 Hours of Le Mans. After all, how does one sport a Gulf Livery without thinking of endurance cars?
La Passione offers three other colors. One is another blue/ orange combination. A second jersey is quite close to the John Player Special livery that captured the imagination with cars driven by Ayrton Senna, Emerson Fittipaldi, and our ‘local’ racer Mario Andretti. Given that we have enjoyed our La Passione bibs alongside the Livery Jersey, it won’t come as a shock if you see us sporting any of the other three offerings. These colors are hard to beat, but they are not a guaranteed style. La Passione has combined iconic 1970s motorsport racing liveries with quality Italian craftsmanship. The result is a kit worth springing for as the new season shapes up.
