Kangol racing helmet used by John Williams
Date made: 1977
Description: A red and white Kangol racing helmet, dated October 1977. This was obtained directly from rider John Williams at Brands Hatch by the vendor's brother who as a child asked Williams for his autograph. He gave it to him, saying it was his old helmet. Believed to have been worn at the 1978 Isle of Man Tourist Trophy (TT) races.
There is a small patch of glue on the left hand side which may be the remains of a scrutineering sticker. The origin of the other stickers which are partially removed is unclear but may have been added by the boy who obtained the helmet, who later regretted it and tried to remove them.
John Williams was a four times TT winner in the 1970s and was the first rider to lap the TT circuit at 110mph. He was a Suzuki factory rider in 1976 until he had a very public falling out with Barry Sheene, and for 1977 he reverted to being a privateer. In 1978 he rode at the TT for Honda Britain, finishing second behind Mike Hailwood in the 1978 Formula One TT.
John Williams was killed in August 1978 at the Ulster Grand Prix.
Materials: metal: plated, iron, plastic: polyester, polyurethane, nylon, polycarbonate, polyvinyl chloride
Object name: helmet
Collection: Costume & Textiles Collection
ID Number: 2017-0046
Subject tags : #TT&MOTORSPORT