Paul Newman's personally-owned and -worn bright blue racing jacket from circa 1983, size small, manufactured by Swingster, embroidered on the chest with his initials, "PLN." Sewn-on patches include Datsun (chest), Bob Sharp Racing/Datsun (chest), Kendall (left arm), and Canon (right arm). The stylish jacket features a snap-up placket, two pouch pockets, and triple-stripe white piping along the sleeves. In fine condition, with evidence of patch removal on the front. Accompanied by two glossy photographs of Newman wearing the jacket, and a laminated letter of provenance from Bob Sharp, in part: "I have kept this jacket in my personal collection for 30 or so years. I believe it to be from 1983 based on sponsor badges and my recollection. Paul wore this jacket often. I appreciate your interest in Bob Sharp Racing history and our association with PLN. Through the many years of our association, I watched Paul develop from a novice weekend racer to a bona fide Professional race car driver. I have no doubt if Paul would have started his career before his late forties, his list of accomplishments in racing may have surpassed his obvious abilities in front of a camera. Paul was the definition of class over our 20 year association."
Newman became interested in auto racing while training under Bob Sharp at the Watkins Glen Racing School for the 1969 filming of Winning, in which he plays a driver with dreams of winning the Indianapolis 500. Thus began a passion he held for the rest of his life, frequently competing in Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) events, the 1979 24 Hours of Le Mans, and in the North American Can-Am series. He drove for the Bob Sharp Racing team from the mid-1970s through the early 1990s, mainly racing Datsun/Nissan vehicles in the Trans-Am Series. He became closely associated with the brand, and in 1983 a special, top-of-the-line 'Paul Newman' edition of the Nissan Skyline R30 was released in Japan. A great piece of pop culture history.
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