Swedish racing legend Ronnie Peterson survived a 1969 Formula 3 crash wearing a Bell Star Toptex helmet that Darren L. Jack discusses today in this Hall of Fame Collection video.
This incredibly rare and historic helmet was Peterson's first closed-face helmet, worn in the latter part of the season after changing from wearing an open-faced version. As the reigning Formula 3 champion Peterson had already secured his second series title by winning 15 of the 19 races when he crashed at the Montlhery circuit in France. He had been on pole for that race after outqualifying the likes of Emerson Fittipaldi, Reine Wisell and Tim Schenken when he misjudged a curve exit and clipped one of the straw bales that formed a chicane intended to slow the cars down. Peterson flipped his new March 693 upside down and it burst into flames. The accident is well-documented in photographs and on an online video, as this helmet undoubtedly contributed to saving his life. It has quite the backstory and would be a signature piece of any collection.
Another Swedish helmet available on racinghalloffamecollection.com is a 2015 Formula One helmet worn by Marcus Ericsson. It's similarly decorated in the blue and yellow colors of his home country, and this Bell HP7 EVO F1 helmet is signed by the current NTT INDYCAR SERIES driver. Rare for an F1 helmet, it even comes with dirt on it!
Like all Hall of Fame Collection pieces both these helmets come with a full Certificate Of Authenticity.
