A LETTER written by Scots racing legend Jim Clark just 18 months before his death is set to fetch over £1000 at auction next week.
Signed by Clark on his own personal notepaper, the letter is dated September 1, 1966 and in it the former World Champion exclusively reveals his plans to market new motoring shoes.
The Jim Clark motoring shoes were specially designed for the dangerous sport and were specifically produced to help drivers with pedal control.
The historic document, which is framed and comes complete with a black and white photograph, comes up for auction at Sotheby’s Olympia in London in November.
In the letter, Clark explains: “They have been specifically produced to take any of the requirements of pedal control, at the same time giving the wearer maximum comfort whilst driving…these unique shoes have tyre-tread soles and heels, designed by Pirelli of Italy.”
A spokesperson for Graham Budd Auctions said: “Although the ownership history of the letter is very vague, we are fairly certain this letter is a one-off.
“This is because the letter is signed J. Clark which is really unusual as he always signed autographs as Jim or Jimmy.
“We are expecting a lot of interest in this very attractive piece.”
Jim Clark worked on his family’s sheep farm before finding fame in motor racing.
He won his first world racing championship at the age of 27 in 1963, winning a record seven Grand Prix races during that season.
In 1965 he regained his title while also becoming the first non-American since 1916 to win the prestigious Indianapolis 500.
This year marks the 40th anniversary of Clark’s death.
The Borderer was killed on April 27, 1968 in a Formula 2 race in Hockenheim, Germany when his car swerved off the track at high speed hitting a tree.
