Valentino Musetti 1970s raceworn Bell helmet and Formula 1 racesuit, the white Bell helmet with horizontal red band as worn in the 1979 Formula 1 Race

Valentino Musetti 1970s raceworn Bell helmet and Formula 1 racesuit, the white Bell helmet with horizontal red band as worn in the 1979 Formula 1 Race of Champions at Brands Hatch, 1975 Snell No.A266974, clear visor, matching red Nomex helmet skirt and balaclava, radio intercom and life support connector, lining support foam perished; a Nomex racesuit by 'Formula One' of Carnaby Street bearing his name and blood group embroidered to the right breast, red with double white stripes and elasticated cuffs, Champion, 'Formula One', Goodyear and Nomex logo patches; also a pair of red Westover driving boots, red and white Nomex gauntlet gloves and vest, sold with a 1979 F1 Race of Champions programme bearing his ink signature on the front cover (qty.) In the 1970s Valentino Musetti was well known to spectators as the driver who did the stunts in the film 'The Italian Job', the original version starring Michael Caine. Although such stunt work paid for his motor racing, the occupation had one drawback as filming schedules regularly disrupted any chances he had of winning championships. Nevertheless he progressed to the British Formula 1 series and competed against the stars of the day in the 1979 non-championship F1 'Race of Champions'. He worked as Christopher Reeve's stunt double in Superman I & II and appeared in many Hollywood epics such as Batman, Indiana Jones, Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, not to mention various James Bond films. His TV work included popular series like The Avengers, Dr Who, The Professionals, Poirot and Midsomer Murders. Occasionally credited as an actor, he also made Road Safety commercials.