F1 racer’s damaged helmet can be yours for ~$50k

The racing helmet that Formula 1 star Niki Lauda wore as he got into a serious accident 48 years ago will be going on sale soon, expected to fetch between $50,000 and $60,000.

Niki Lauda wasn’t impressed with the safety standards of the F1 Germany Grand Prix in 1976. Having run a few test laps, he had tried to convince the hosts of the event that the track was too dangerous. The other participants failed to support him, and the race began. 

Lauda crashed only two laps in, becoming trapped in a burning racecar. He was promptly extracted, but not before receiving serious face and arm burns, as well as a carbon monoxide poisoning that damaged his lungs. Eager to get back to the track, he made a quick recovery and resumed racing mere six weeks after the incident.

The AGV helmet on sale is still visibly dented from the impact and carries burn marks. The seller assures it has been carefully preserved in this state since the incident.