This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 8/15/2022
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Offered is Elvis Presley's car racing helmet that was produced for use in his 1964 film Viva Las Vegas. In the film, Elvis plays race car driver "Lucky Jackson" who is attempting to enter a race in Las Vegas. Location filming in Vegas started on July 15, 1963 and continued through July 26th, after which filming moved to Los Angeles. The offered helmet was produced for the production, most-likely in the early stages. Eventually, however, it was decided that Elvis would wear a bright orange racing suit for the racing scenes, and an orange helmet to match was produced for use on film. Elvis must have taken a shine to the offered helmet, with its much better color scheme and tighter lightning bolt and name design, so he took it home before eventually gifting it to his cousin, Billy Smith. The helmet later became part of the famous "Elvis Presley Museum" in Memphis when it was sold to Jimmy Velvet. A certificate of authenticity signed by both Billy and Jimmy is included. Velvet's massive collection was eventually sold in several events at Butterfield & Butterfield. Photos from the 1995 auction when the helmet was offered are shown here at left, for reference. The helmet measures 8 1/2 x 10 1/2 and still maintains its 1995 auction tags. The helmet has seen heavy use and exhibits extensive nicks and chips and internal wear. Excellent condition.