Arturo Francesco Merzario (Civenna, 11 March 1943) is an Italian racing driver, who raced in every category, from small Touring Car Racing to Formula 1.

Arturo Merzario was a talented and eclectic driver, best known for his great passion for cowboy hats, which he wore regularly when not racing.

Steering Wheels:

• This PERSONAL steering wheel in our collection made an appearance at the Formula 1 World Championship in 1976, fitted on the March 761 and witnessed, so to speak, the scene that showed the world the courage of the driver from Como. After the accident of Niki Lauda at the Nürburgring, where the Austrian driver came off the track and slammed into the barriers, engulfed in flames, Merzario managed to stop along with other drivers and pulled him out of the cockpit, thus saving his life. Unfortunately, Merzario finished the Championship on 0 points.

(Source: Wikipedia; Formula1.com)

Ph. Daniele Amaduzzi