New Piloti Oscar Shoes From The James Hunt Collection Have Arrived In The Petrolicious Shop

View more details, sizing, and ordering information for the Oscar here, and browse the 2018 James Hunt Collection here, in the Petrolicious Shop

James Hunt embodied British wit, the playboy lifestyle, and the undeniable allure of racing drivers in an era characterized by big wings, long hair, and the ability to speak your mind without being relegated to sponsor-speech . He drank, he smoked, he swore, he made women go wild, and at the end of the day he could back up his antics by being damn quick in a racing car. Sex symbol, motorsport hero, James Hunt somehow made F1 seem even cooler than it already was. But he paid his dues and earned his keep. Starting in humble Minis he graduated from touring car racing to Formulas soon enough despite his father’s wishes that he pursue medicine instead, and before he found ultimate success with McLaren Hunt drove for a number of other teams and oftentimes on his own dime before joining Lord Hesketh in F2 where he and the aristocratic partiers would soon make the plunge into F1, the top rung.

After transitioning into a career on the commentary side of the sport, Hunt passed away too soon, but his impact on F1, and by consequence motorsport in general, has proven all but everlasting—how many times have you seen the “SEX Breakfast of Champions” sticker? A source of continual inspiration for drivers and fans on the other side of the barrier, Hunt’s unique character may never be reincarnated, but we can channel bits and pieces of his now-mythic existence. Sometimes it’s a sticker, sometimes a pair of shoes that, while they may not confer his talents upon those who slip into them, can still be worn as subtle sources of inspiration. Piloti teamed up last year with Estate of James Hunt to create two pairs of casual but competent driving shoes to the market, and they’ve kept the trend going this year with the next installment, which they call the Oscar, named after Hunt’s beloved pup.

Embossed with Hunt’s signature, the shoes are a subtle tribute to the style of the times, but updated and infused with Piloti’s modern technologies and construction. They are handmade in Portugal from Portuguese leather, feature Piloti’s ONSTEAM™ anti-microbial lining, and have insoles made from cork and EVA to make them wearable for the full day, regardless of whether it’s one spent at the track or at the office.

Please note, the Oscar is available for US customers only at the moment.

View more details, sizing, and ordering information for the Oscar here, and browse the 2018 James Hunt Collection here, in the Petrolicious Shop