Here we have vintage 10 x8 photograph of the infamous crash involving Duke Nalon at the 1949 Indy 500. This crash is nasty with a capital "N." The airborne tires are a very nice touch to this crazy picture. Here's the description of the crash, courtesy of Duke Nalon's Wikipedia page:
"In 1949, he was involved in a massive, fiery crash in Turn 3. He backed into the wall and the car burst into flames. He survived only because he held his breath (to prevent asphyxiation), and he jumped out of the car while it was still moving. He had severe burns to his legs which gave him trouble until his death in 2001."
You can actually watch the live action crash.
I salute you Mr. Nalon. That's one tough hombre.
The vintage racing photograph belonged to the Public Relations department of the Buick Motor Division in Flint, Michigan. On the reverse they provide their own typed description of the events in the photograph.
"FIERY CRASH IN 1949 -- In this dramatic picture Duke Nalon crashed backwards in flames while leading the Indianapolis 500-Mile Race in 1949. Though badly burned, Nalon escaped by diving over the north chute wall. In this picture three-time winner Mauri Rose passes low on the track."
The rare photography measures 10" x 8". It has a stamp on the back showing "4464 -3". I assume it is a number for the filing system at Buick. The photo has a few creases, with the most evident being in the lower right corner (see pic). There are also small pinholes in the top right and left corner. Please see all pics as they are part of the description.
I ship to the continental USA only. Free shipping on this one.
When people use the phrase "Hell on Wheels", feel free to show them this photograph. Unreal. Don't miss out.
