Apollo Astronaut Gus Grissom Signed Indy Program w/ Andretti & 12 Signatures JSA

Title:
1965 Indianapolis 500 Official Program Multi-Signed by Mario Andretti, Gus Grissom & Others – JSA Certified (12 Signatures, Cert #ZZ62088)

Description:
Offered here is a visually striking and historically rich official program from the 49th running of the Indianapolis 500, held on May 31, 1965, at the famed Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The program, originally priced at 75¢, is preserved in excellent condition (EX) and features twelve (12) autographs in ballpoint ink across the front cover and interior pages. Most signatures range in strength from 7 to 8.5, with standout autographs including:

• Mario Andretti, 1965 Indy 500 Rookie of the Year, boldly signed with “#12” inscription

• Gus Grissom, famed astronaut and American hero, signed “Gus Grissom” prior to his tragic death in the Apollo 1 pre-launch accident on January 27, 1967

Other signers include:

• Jim Rathman, 1960 Indy 500 winner

• Bill Cheesbourg (“#47”)

• Al Miller (“#74”)

• Arnold Knepper (“#18”)

• Paul Russo (d. 1976)

• Gig Stephens

• Ed Nelson, actor and racing enthusiast

• Dan Blocker, beloved actor from Bonanza (per JSA documentation)

• Parnelli Jones, 1963 Indy 500 winner (signed on page 46)

• Len Sutton, driver and broadcaster (signed on page 96)

The signatures span both cover and interior pages, with most executed in blue ballpoint ink. This program is authenticated by JSA (James Spence Authentication) with full Letter of Authenticity and matching certification number ZZ62088.

Historical Context:
The 49th Indianapolis 500 was a pivotal race in motorsports history, marking a period of transition in engineering, safety, and driver talent. While Jim Clark won the 1965 race (not one of the signers here), the event saw the rise of Mario Andretti, who would go on to become one of the most decorated drivers in global racing history. This program’s most extraordinary inclusion is the signature of Gus Grissom, a Mercury and Gemini astronaut and one of NASA’s original space pioneers. Grissom’s death during the Apollo 1 capsule fire in 1967 made him one of the first U.S. astronauts to perish in the space program. His autograph, especially in casual non-spaceflight contexts such as this, is considered extremely rare and highly collectible.

The presence of both racing and pop culture figures—including Dan Blocker of Bonanza fame—highlights the 1965 Indy 500 as a cultural as well as sporting event, drawing celebrities and heroes alike.

Authentication & Encapsulation:
Authenticated by James Spence Authentication (JSA) with full Letter of Authenticity.

• Certification Number: ZZ62088

• Number of Signatures: 12

• Writing Instrument: Ballpoint Pen

• Key Signatures Identified: Mario Andretti, Gus Grissom, Jim Rathman, Dan Blocker, Paul Russo, Parnelli Jones, Ed Nelson, Al Miller, Arnold Knepper, Bill Cheesbourg, Gig Stephens, Len Sutton

• Additional Documentation & Provenance: At buyer’s request, Historical Autographs Gallery will include an additional “Historical Autographs Gallery Certificate” signed by our company founder Luke Pascal at no cost.

Closing Appeal:
This multi-signed 1965 Indianapolis 500 program is more than a motorsports collectible—it’s a rare convergence of racing history, space exploration legacy, and American pop culture. Featuring the coveted autograph of Gus Grissom, a true American icon, alongside racing legends like Mario Andretti and Jim Rathman, this authenticated piece represents a snapshot of mid-century greatness. A museum-worthy acquisition for serious collectors of motorsports, aviation, or Americana.

Shipping Notice:
For insurance purposes, items sold over $600 may require signature confirmation upon delivery. Higher-value items, likely over $1,500, are shipped via FedEx 2-Day with Direct Signature Confirmation. FedEx provides the most flexibility when requiring a signature, allowing you to make special delivery requests directly through their tracking system. This ensures both security and convenience for the buyer.