Set of spark plugs used by Mike Hailwood
Date made: 1966
Description: Set of four NGK spark plugs in original plastic tubes, used in the Isle of Man Tourist Trophy (TT) races. Removed from Mike Hailwood's 1966 Senior TT winning Honda motorcycle.
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.
Object name: spark plugs
Collection: Social History Collection
ID Number: 2006-0054
Subject tags : #TT&MOTORSPORT