Welcome to the RT Retro Website


RT Retro launched their range of the "Type 43" Racing Jackets in late 2003. These are re-issues of the late 60's and early 70's nylon "Indy" style Auto Racing Jackets popular with Muscle Car and Sports Car owners of the time. They will appeal to classic car and Muscle Car owners (like me!) as well as lovers of vintage and retro clothing. I have always been a big fan and owner of US Muscle Cars and British Sports cars of the 60's and have faithfully restored several examples. As with most of us my interest spread also to the clothes and fashion of the time. Along with the obvious t-shirts were the nylon Racing Jackets (the name seems to vary. Sometimes called Windbreakers or Racing Team Jackets). American and UK car magazines of the time such as Hot Rod, car Craft, Motor Sport etc seemed to be full of them and with their matching Racing Stripes and sew on patches they did look the perfect complement to an era of some of the most exciting cars ever produced.

		Who could forget the the Gulf Team Racing Jackets in the film Le Mans starring Steve McQueen. Checking out the car and bike clothes in the background of late 60's and early 70's films such as the The Italian Job (the original of course), Vanishing Point, Dirty Mary Crazy Larry, Little Fauss & Big Halsey, The Last American Hero (1973 version with Jeff Bridges) and Two Lane Blacktop are great references for what to wear and all with a smattering of Racing Jackets. Dare I mention Bo Dukes driving suit in an episode of Dukes of Hazzard?

After quickly discovering that the jackets went the way of the Muscle Cars, we took the plunge and decided it was time they mad a comeback. So we took a deep breath and then went into the business of designing, manufacturing and retailing them. For research we found as many original examples as possible and then set about improving the (admittedly rather cheap) quality while staying true to the style and spirit of the originals. We had a lot of fun getting all the details right and a year later with a new company (RT Retro) formed, we are really proud to be giving a piece of motoring heritage back onto the streets and the tracks. We would like to think that they help bring alive the buzz and excitement of the whole Classic Car, Muscle Car, NASCAR, Stock Car and Sports Car racing scene at its height.

		In 2003 we also sourced exact copies of the popular Muscle Car emblems of the time (Dodge Racing team, Chevrolet, Camaro, Cobra, Firebird, Mustang etc) with a quality that exceeded the originals. These are then machine sewn to each jacket to order. For 2004 we tracked down suppliers with stocks of some original racing product emblems of the 60's and 70's (Shell, STP, Firestone, Champion etc). Our website displays our current range but call us if you don't see what you want as we have new emblems being added all the time.

For 2005 we are proud to still be sponsoring the drag racing team of Jerry and the boys in their '57 Chevy Gasser "Honky Tonkin". These guys are taking their 60's outfits as seriously as their car and are kitted out with white pit crew jeans and contrasting Racing Jackets. Coolest drag racers in the UK? Watch this space!