1957 Jimmy Bryan Race Worn Indy 500 Jacket, Belt and Signed Pit Pass

Absolutely stunning, original RACE-USED jacket worn by 3-time IndyCar National Champion and Indy 500 Winner Jimmy Bryan. That's right, before fireproof overalls, drivers would wear t-shirts to race in and, on cooler days, occasionally jackets as well. In this rare case, Jim Bryan can be seen in this very Dean Van Lines Special jacket in his qualifying photo for the 1957 Indy 500.

In 1957 at Indy, the cigar smoking Bryan finished 3rd in his Dean Van Lines Kuzma Offy. He also won that year's USAC (IndyCar) National Championship and just a year later, after leading 139 of 200 laps, the Arizona native would win the 42nd running of the Indianapolis 500.

Internationally, Bryan was known as being the inaugural winner of the Race of Two Worlds which took place in Monza Italy. This was designed to have American racers compete against the Formula 1 drivers of the day. Jim Bryan was tragically killed during a National Championship race in 1960.

Back in the 1950's the drivers would also wear a large leather belt to help protect their kidney's in the dangerous roadsters that were not fitted with any safety / seat belts. This jacket comes complete with Bryan's original race worn kidney belt and signed pit pass.

Don't miss this unique opportunity to own such a fantastic lot of items from one of the greats of the sport.

These items come with a Certificate Of Authenticity.