The Gulf Oil sign is an iconic and recognizable symbol associated with the Gulf Oil Corporation, a major American oil company. The Gulf Oil sign has gone through various designs over the years, but a classic and widely recognized version features the following characteristics:

1. **Color Scheme:**
   - The Gulf Oil sign typically features a distinctive color scheme of orange and blue. The background is often orange, while the lettering and logo details are in blue.

2. **Logo:**
   - The central element of the Gulf Oil sign is the company's logo. The logo typically includes a blue circle or oval with the word "Gulf" written in white uppercase letters. The blue circle is often outlined in white or contains additional design elements.

3. **Iconic Disc:**
   - In many Gulf Oil signs, there is a prominent circular disc, often orange, that serves as the background for the logo. The disc may have a glossy finish, and the logo is positioned in the center.

4. **Lettering:**
   - The lettering of the word "Gulf" is usually bold and uppercase, making it easily readable from a distance. The choice of blue against the orange background provides a high-contrast and visually appealing design.

5. **Mounting Style:**
   - Gulf Oil signs have been displayed in various ways, including on tall poles, as wall-mounted signs on gas stations, and as freestanding signs at the entrances of service stations. The design is adapted to fit the specific requirements of the location.

6. **Historical Variations:**
   - Over the years, there have been different variations of the Gulf Oil sign as the company updated its branding. However, the orange and blue color scheme and the distinctive circular logo have remained key elements.

7. **Nostalgic Appeal:**
   - The Gulf Oil sign carries a nostalgic appeal for many people who remember the heyday of Gulf Oil and its widespread presence at gas stations across the United States. The sign is often associated with a classic Americana aesthetic.

It's important to note that the Gulf Oil Corporation has undergone changes in ownership and branding over time. The Gulf Oil sign remains an enduring symbol, and vintage versions of the sign are sought after by collectors interested in Americana and petroleum memorabilia.