Born in the suburbs of Cleveland, Ohio, Paul Newman was a legendary American actor and filmmaker that also famously possessed a major proclivity for vehicles and motorsport. Far more than just a mere fascination or hobby, the Academy Award-winning actor was also an incredibly skilled driver that would eventually go on to secure a myriad of wins and titles across a host of high-profiles series including SCCA, Can-Am, IMSA, and IndyCar. And while Newman would sadly pass away from lung cancer in September of 2008, the indelible mark he left on motorsport very much remains. Now, 15 years after his death, and a slew of Newman’s prized personal racing gear and memorabilia is up for grabs via RM Sotheby’s ongoing High Speed: Paul Newman’s Racing Legacy auction.
Comprised of 100 lots in total, this massive array of Paul Newman’s own personal racing gear and memorabilia includes items from across numerous decades of the actor and philanthropist’s involvement in motorsport. This includes a slew of framed — and often signed — prints, paintings, and photographs, as well as a plethora of scale model cars. Smaller odds and ends such as a motorsport-themed collection of desk accessories, books, and press and race passes, are also going under the hammer.
While it would have been difficult to imagine while he was still alive, there’s now a massive number of items being auctioned off that were awarded to Newman for competing in and winning various races, including a handful of rings such as IndyCar CART championship rings, as well as a plethora of medals, trophies, and pedants. What’s more, eight of Newman’s race-worn driving suits are also up for sale, as are five of his helmets and Newman’s own HANS device. The sale even includes several of Newman’s personal vehicles, including his 1998 Volvo V90 “Volvette” and a Yamaha FJ1200-powered 1997 Legends race car.
RM Sotheby’s High Speed: Paul Newman’s Racing Legacy Auction is currently underway, with bidding available online. And, while the helmets and racing suits are unsurprisingly expected to go for thousands of dollars, a decent number of prints and other smaller items can be had for surprisingly affordable sums, starting from just a few hundred dollars.
