Antiquorum, New York, 9 April 2014

Sold for $56,250 (£33,630)

It is interesting to see how the legend that is the Paul Newman Daytona has now made all sorts of associated, non-horological objects worthy of inclusion in watch catalogues. A case in point is this set of Nomex race overalls and a red, white and blue crash helmet which were worn by the late Hollywood star when he competed with the Newman-Sharp racing team.
The ?Sharp? side of the partnership referred to Bob Sharp, who employed as a fabricator a man called Philip Avanzato. He clearly got to know Newman well, as the actor gave him a pair of his race suits, one of which Sharp consigned for this Antiquorum sale, knowing how Newman?s name resonates with Rolex collectors. Included with the lot was a letter of authenticity from Avanzato, the last paragraph of which read: ?What I will always remember about him, apart from his award-winning movie performances, is that he seemed like such a regular guy! Or at least he wanted to be, particularly when he was around racing. It was his hobby, his release valve for a pressure-packed career, and his retreat from his public persona.?
A regular guy Newman may have been ? but his old race suit still managed to fetch an impressive $56,250.
Simon de Burton

 
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