1952c Indianapolis F1 Cover signed JIM RATHMANN

MotorsportMemorabilia 1952 Grand Prix commemorative cover signed Jim Rathmann

From 1950 to 1960, the Indianapolis 500 race was included for points within the Formula 1 World Championship; to commemorate the race we have included it in our series as the 1952 cover. We wanted to include Alberto Ascari as he was the World Champion that year, whilst providing a variation from the all conquering Ferrari 500 that won 14 races in 1952/53. Skilfully, Ross Wardle has depicted Troy Ruttman in his Offenhauser engined Kuzma, passing Alberto Ascari's modified Ferrari 375, prior to the Italian's retirement after 40 laps. Ruttman won the race, 4 mins clear of any opposition. Ascari won the last 6 races of the season in the Ferrari 500 to take his first World Championship title.

JIM RATHMANN who competed in the Formula 1 World Championship through participation in the Indianapolis 500 races between 1950 - 60, has signed the second special. Apart from 1951, he took part throughout the period, driving Wetteroth, Kurtis Kraft, Epperley and Watson cars, all with Offenhauser engines. When his car remained serviceable and was reasonably competitive, he achieved excellent results. He scored at total of 29 points in the ten Indy 500 races that he competed in, coming second in 1952, 57 and 59. His ultimate achievement was to win the 1960 IndyCar Race, the last run within the Formula 1 World Championship.