Antiquorum to Auction Paul Newman’s Racing Suit & Helmet In April 2014 Auction
Antiquorum Auctioneers, the world's premier watch auctioneers, is looking forward to its April 9th auction of "Important Modern and Vintage Timepieces’ that will be held at its US headquarters on Madison Avenue in New York. Amongst the collection of fine timepieces are some highly collectible items not only for the avid watch collector, but also for the auto racing enthusiast highlighted by Paul Newman's racing suit and helmet from the 1980’s.
Paul Newman, the legendary actor and philanthropist, was also a passionate auto racing driver, enthusiast and team owner. Newman’s interest in racing was sparked while training at the Watkins Glen Racing School for his role in the 1969 film “Winning.” In 1972 he started racing professionally and from the mid 1970’s to the early 1990’s, Newman raced for the Bob Sharp Team. Newman’s racing suit and helmet that he wore during this period is being offered in Antiquorum’s April 9th auction. The white suit with red and blue stripes down the arms and legs is embroidered with Newman’s name and features sponsorship patches from Datsun, Budweiser, Hannas Car Wash Systems, Canon, Kendall and Good Year. It is presented with a red, white and blue helmet, accompanied by copies of photographs showing Newman wearing the suit and helmet and a letter of authenticity written by P. Avanzato, a fabricator at Bob Sharp Racing from 1972 to 1987.
Another interesting piece of auto racing memorabilia offered in the April 9th auction is an Omega Speedmaster given to race car builder and Maybelline heir, Jerry Westhouse by Newman Haas Racing in 1997. For many years, Jerry worked for Newman Haas Racing, a team co-founded by Newman with Carl Haas in 1983. The Omega Speedmaster presented in this sale is a fine self-winding stainless steel wristwatch with round-button chronograph and registers, made in 1996. It is accompanied by the original fitted box in the shape of 2 racing car wheels and a Certificate of Authenticity.
Also on the auction block is a Heuer Set of Two Dashboard Timers used in the iconic 1971 racing film “Le Mans” starring the celebrated American actor, Steve McQueen. These are two very fine and rare, chromed dashboard timers: Left: 60-second chronograph race timer with progressive central 60-minute register and 1/5th second track. Right: 60-second chronograph race timer with progressive central 60-minute register, digital 12-hour register and 1/5th second track. The set is accompanied by a box, folder with certificate of Authenticity by the Property Master Donald B. Nunley, notarized statement of Dr. Michael Lederman and three 8 ½ X 10 ½ color photos taken during the race.
About Antiquorum: Established in Geneva in 1974, Antiquorum has carved its own unparalleled niche in the auction world through its focused expertise in horology and by cultivating a thriving collector’s market for timepieces worldwide. The world’s premier auctioneer of fine modern and vintage timepieces has set world records for auction sales and holds approximately ten auctions a year in Geneva, New York and Hong Kong, with previews held in major cities worldwide. Antiquorum maintains offices in Beijing, Dubai, London, Milan, Munich, Moscow, Paris, Shanghai and Tokyo.
