Evel Knievel's jumpsuit and motorcycle, 1970s
The ultimate American daredevil, Knievel thrilled audiences in the 1970s with his spectacular motorcycle stunts. Although he completed many death-defying jumps—over cars, buses, trucks, and other obstacles—he also crashed a lot. But his crashes seemed to make the fans love him more, for they proved he was the real thing, a man willing to risk life and limb to put on a great show. In 1994 the Smithsonian acquired Knievel's customized Harley Davidson XR-750—one of the few motorcycles to survive his career—and Knievel donated a star-spangled leather jumpsuit, cape, and boots that he wore during jumps. Curators used these objects, along with toys and memorabilia donated by fan and historian Joey Taff, to create a special display and document Knievel’s unique place in American popular culture.
See also:
Automobiles, Clothing, Popular Culture Memorabilia, Sports Memorabilia, Transportation
