1963 Johnny Rutherford 'Rookie Indianapolis 500' Ed Kostenuk IndyCar Helmet

1963 Johnny Rutherford 'Rookie Indianapolis 500' Ed Kostenuk IndyCar Helmet

Johnny Rutherford would not begin his full-time IndyCar career with McLaren until 1979, but his Indianapolis 500 story began much earlier through the USAC Championship.

Rutherford began competing in USAC in 1962 and made his first Indianapolis 500 qualifying attempt in 1963 with the Dayton-Walther team, although he would not initially qualify. He later moved to Ed Kostenuk's entry and successfully qualified on the ninth row for his first Indianapolis 500. Unfortunately, a transmission issue ended his race on lap 43, resulting in a 29th-place finish.

That early disappointment would prove to be just the beginning of an incredible Indianapolis 500 career. Rutherford would go on to win the legendary race three times, taking victories in 1974, 1976, and 1980. He remains one of only 10 drivers in history to have won the Indianapolis 500 three or more times.

This Johnny Rutherford helmet is a rare model produced by McHal and represents a unique piece of motorsport history. It comes with direct provenance from three-time Indianapolis 500 winner Johnny Rutherford and comes with a Certificate of Authenticity.