Mike Hailwood motorcycle racing leathers
Date made: 1979
Maker: Lookwell Leathers
Description: A suit of leathers supplied to Mike Hailwood by Lookwell Leathers, and worn by Mike in the 1979 Senior and Classic Isle of Man Tourist Trophy (TT) races (his last appearance). The right sleeve is almost detached from Hailwood's crash in practice at Donington Park in July 1979, when the course doctor had to treat his broken collar bone.
Suit of red, white and gold motorcycle leathers. Sponsors' badges of Castrol, Kangol, Champion, Lookwell & Huer. On the back Sports Motor Cycles (some letters detached) Right sleeve almost detached. The damage to the shoulder occurred at the 1979 Daily Mirror International Trophy meeting at Donington which was billed as the first clash between the old and the new master, Hailwood and Barry Sheen. Hailwood slid off in practice and did not compete in the race. It was the most serious accident of his career in what was to be his last race.
These are the leathers which Mike wore aboard the RG500 Suzuki, which is in the Manx National Heritage collections.
Mike Hailwood is considered one of the greatest racing legends of the TT, having achieved a record-breaking 14 TT wins in the 1960s and 1970s, and is still a hero to a generation of fans.
He was born in Oxfordshire in 1940 and his father, a pre-war racer, owned a large motorcycle dealership. Hailwood began racing at 17 and showed huge natural ability. He rode for both Honda and MV Agusta, winning nine World Championships.
Hailwood’s TT career began in 1958, the highlight being the 1967 Senior race against Agostini, which he won after a thrilling battle. Following a period in car racing, he returned to the TT in 1978 and made a triumphant comeback with victories in the 1978 and 1979 races.
He was tragically killed in a car accident with his daughter in 1981.
Also in this photograph:
2018-0120 Mike Hailwood motorcycle racing helmet
L22219 Suzuki RG 500 motorcycle ridden by Mike Hailwood in 1979
Photographed in-situ in the TT Gallery at the Manx Museum.
Measurements: overall: 141 x 51 x 23 cm; inside leg 72 cm; sleeve length 58 cm; chest 96 cm
Materials: leather, plastic: other, polyester
Object name: leathers
Collection: Costume & Textiles Collection
ID Number: 2005-0148
Subject tags : #TT&MOTORSPORT
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