Paul Newman, Le Mans Race 1979
Paul Newman, Le Mans Race 1979
A tribute to endurance racing and cinematic legend, Paul Newman, Le Mans Race 1979 immortalizes the Porsche 935 that carried the celebrated actor to his historic 24 Hours of Le Mans debut. The composition captures the raw energy of the circuit, blending precision engineering with the relentless pursuit of victory. Produced as a Pièce Unique (1 of 1), the artwork is signed, dated, and numbered, created in the Atelier WOCS workshop in Geneva. Measuring 145 × 100 cm, it is accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity.
The Story Behind
The Porsche 935, a car with a dominating legacy of over 150 worldwide race wins through 1984, is one of the most important models in Porsche history. It offered legendary actor and racer Paul Newman his 24 Hours of Le Mans debut on June 9- 10, 1979, alongside co-drivers Dick Barbour (team owner) and Rolf Stommelen.
This exquisite composition salutes the iconic 1979 Le Mans race, highlighting Paul Newman's blazing red Porsche 935 at the heart of its visual narrative. A remarkable historical footnote of this car is its 1980 campaign sponsorship by Apple Computers, an unprecedented alliance between racing and technology, rendering it the only race car ever to be backed by tech giants. Continuing its triumphant journey, the Porsche 935 clinched victory at the 1981 24 Hours of Daytona post its Le Mans exploit.
Beyond being a celebrated Hollywood star, Paul Newman transcended his fame into the realm of horology in 2017 when his 1968 Rolex Daytona set a record at a Phillips auction house in New York, selling for a staggering $17.8 Million in a span of 12 minutes, thereby establishing a new benchmark for a wristwatch at auction.
The term "iconic" often risks dilution, but when applied to the Rolex "Paul Newman" Daytona, it faithfully embodies its standing. The filming of Newman's debut racing movie, "Winning," catalyzed demand for the early "exotic dial" Daytonas, overwhelming Rolex dealers with its popularity. Advancing several decades, the Rolex Daytona has reached legendary status, becoming one of the world's most sought-after chronographs. Newman's personal Daytona, a gift from his wife, Joanne Woodward, carries a heartfelt inscription - "Drive Carefully. Me."
The "Paul Newman, Le Mans Race 1979" artwork, being the solitary piece in existence, signifies a true collector's treasure—an extraordinary chance to possess a piece merging the vibrant spirit of Paul Newman, the electrifying thrill of Le Mans, and the enduring allure of the legendary Daytona.
| Notice |
Atelier WOCS is an independent Maison d'Art, dedicated to the creation of bespoke, handcrafted artistic works. Our creations, while occasionally inspired by notable brands, are not associated or affiliated with them in any way. We operate exclusively at the request of our clients, with each piece intended solely for their private collection. The work showcased here was commissioned by one of our distinguished patrons. This presentation serves as a reflection of our craftsmanship and is not intended as a contractual offer. Any displayed price is indicative, providing a general reference for our bespoke creative services and not representing an actual sale.