The Helmet From Niki Lauda's Infamous Crash Is Up for Auction

The infamous helmet displays heat damage from the crash that almost claimed Lauda’s life.

In a week of memorializing the 30-year anniversary of the loss of Ayrton Senna and his sport-shifting crash, another piece of Formula 1 history is making the rounds, too. Up for auction at Bonhams Cars Miami house, Niki Lauda’s helmet from the infamous 1976 German Grand Prix could be yours, all for the right price.

Made by Italian helmet manufacturer AGV, the red-painted helmet was worn by Lauda during his run at the Nurburgring in August 1976. Following pre-race safety concerns about the lack of marshaling along the 14.19 miles course, Lauda started the race on the damp snake of curves and did one lap before switching from rain tires to dry condition rubber, then crashed on his second lap.

Saved from his burning car by Arturo Merzario and Brett Lunger, the ensuing burns nearly claimed Lauda’s life. In an almost superhuman turn, he was back behind the wheel for Ferrari only six weeks later. Sporting logos from his sponsors Goodyear and Romerquelle, Lauda’s German Grand Prix Helmet has been preserved with the heat damage from the fiery crash. The tinted visor as well as the top of the lid show extensive signs of warping, not to mention the paint chips and scrapes from the open-air impact.

If you’re so inclined to bid on a piece of true motorsports history, Bonhams estimates that the helmet will go around $50,000 to $60,000. Bidding opens tomorrow and the helmet will be sold at no reserve. A portion of the proceeds will also be donated to the UNICEF.