1971 Evel Knievel Snake River Canyon Jump Promotion Twin Falls Idaho

Date: 1971 
Artist: Marshall, R.A.               
Size (in): 23” x 14.5”  
Size (cm): 58.4 x 36.8 
Condition: A 
Linen backed: No 

This vintage original poster was issued in 1971 to promote daredevil Evel Knievel’s Skycycle X-2 Snake River Canyon jump in Idaho.   While Knievel’s Snake River Canyon jump did not occur until September 1974 planning and promotion of the project began in 1971 after Knievel’s original plan to jump the Grand Canyon failed to obtain approval from the United States Department of the Interior.   This poster was advertised for sale with other Evel Knievel merchandise in comic books and magazines in the early 1970s.  The lower right margin shows a 1971 copyright by West East/Action Graphics of Newport Beach, California.   

This poster features an elaborate almost psychedelic design showing the projected phases of Knievel’s one mile jump over the Snake River Canyon as well as what looks like a rocket power motorcycle with the Harley Davidson and the Olympia beer company names on the side.  The poster also touts the jump vehicle as a “Harley Davidson X-2” which is incorrect since the X-2 machine wasn’t designed or manufactured by the Harley Davidson company. The rocket motorcycle shown on the poster bears almost no resemblance to the Skycycle X-2 steam powered rocket that was used for the stunt. In fairness to the poster designers those details were probably not known in 1971 when the poster was issued.     

The event was a failure in terms of the actual jump and financially for the promoters.  The X-2’s drogue parachute deployed prematurely as the vehicle left the launch rail introducing a great deal of drag during the jump.  The X-2 actually made it over to the north rim but prevailing wind caused it to drift back and eventually crash at the bottom of the canyon on the same side of the river from which it had been launched.   Miraculously and unlike many of his prior daredevil escapades Knievel escaped without serious injury.

This vintage original poster is unused new old stock in excellent condition with just light handling wear and a tiny crease to the tip of the lower right corner.  Overall condition is excellent.