Phil Read's 1967 Isle of Man Tourist Trophy (TT) 'pudding basin' helmet
Date made: 1967
Description: 'Pudding basin' helmet worn at the 1967 Isle of Man Tourist Trophy (TT) races by Phil Read. Black and white stripes with chequerboard edge. Three lions decal to front (badly damaged) and a 1967 Diamond TT scrutineering sticker to left hand side.
The area of damage to the front decal is visible in many contemporary photographs. This helmet was originally sold by Bonhams in London c.2009, and comes with a slip of paper in Phil Read's handwriting [?] stating 'Diamond Jubilee TT '67 2nd to Mike [Hailwood] 250'.
In 1967 Phil Read also came first in the Ultra Lightweight TT, riding for Yamaha as a factory rider. In 1968 Read became a double world champion, riding against factory orders to beat team mate Bill Ivy, causing bitterness between them. Read was nicknamed 'Rebel Read' thereafter. He also caused huge controversy in the early 1970s when he campaigned against the TT on safety grounds and boycotted the event, only to return in 1977 when offered more start money.
Materials: cotton, leather, linen, metal: copper alloy, plated, paint: other, paper, rubber, wood: composite, other, wool
Object name: helmet
Collection: Costume & Textiles Collection
ID Number: 2017-0121
Subject tags : #TT&MOTORSPORT