Merzario Arturo – ITALY

Arturo Merzario (Civenna, March 11, 1943) is one of the most versatile Italian racing drivers of his generation. He competed in all the major branches of motorsport, from touring car competitions to Formula 1. Famous for his gritty driving style and his unmistakable cowboy hat, Merzario is also remembered for the courage he showed in helping to save Niki Lauda from the fiery crash at the Nürburgring in 1976.

Steering Wheel – The PERSONAL steering wheel in our collection was mounted on Merzario’s March 761 during the 1976 Formula 1 World Championship. That season is remembered not for results on the track, but for an act that changed motorsport history. During the German Grand Prix, on the Nürburgring Nordschleife, Niki Lauda lost control of his Ferrari 312T2 on the second lap. The car crashed, caught fire, and was struck by other vehicles. Merzario, together with Brett Lunger, Guy Edwards, and Harald Ertl, stopped immediately and, risking his own life, helped pull Lauda from the burning car. Badly burned, Lauda returned to racing just 42 days later at the Italian Grand Prix in Monza. Merzario’s courage and selflessness—stepping into the flames to rescue a fellow driver—are still celebrated today as an heroic act in the world of Formula 1. A symbol not only of sporting skill, but of profound human valor.

Curiosity – Merzario began wearing his signature cowboy hat in the 1970s, inspired by the American endurance racing style. He never took it off, even off the track. As he once said: “I didn’t want to be just another driver—I wanted to be remembered even outside the car.” The hat has become an iconic part of his persona, now etched into the collective visual memory of Italian motorsport.

Merzario F1 – After racing for Ferrari, Alfa Romeo, Williams, and March, Merzario founded his own team, Merzario F1, in 1977 to compete in the World Championship with cars bearing his name. Although the results were modest, he was one of the few private drivers to run a team under his own banner, showing extraordinary passion and determination.