Two Gulf-branded forecourts will take place in the recreation of the Layer Marney Cup, a car fuel consumption trial first run 101 years ago in 1914.

Southchurch Road Gulf Station in Southend-on-Sea will be the start point of the event, which is supported by Gulf Oil, takes place on August 16, and will see an impressive selection of cars produced during the last century take part in the competition.

It will be the first re-run of a unique event which took place during the dawn of motoring. Starting at 9am, cars taking part in the event will fill up with fuel at the Southchurch Road filling station and will drive through the Stow Maries Aerodrome - the UK’s only First World War airport still in use. It has recently been re-created so it appears as it would during the war, as well has having some First World War aircraft based there.

The cars continue on their journey until they arrive at the Gulf-branded McCreadies of Layer Marney, on whose forecourt the tanks will be unsealed and checked.

Sheila Charrington from Layer Marney Tower, commented: “When I was approached about hosting this event, it didn’t take much persuasion as I could visualise what a fun and interesting day it will be. With the types of car taking place, the event will be a visual delight for spectators, whether they are car enthusiasts or not. For the younger generation it will be a real eye opener and a lesson in history. The world of fuel and motor racing has changed exponentially in the last 100 years, which will be demonstrated through the classes taking part in the competition.”

Steve White, general manager for Gulf Oil, commented, “This is an ideal event for Gulf to be associated with, as this event - and the people and vehicles participating - truly reflects the Gulf strap line ‘Quality, Endurance, Passion.”