Evel Knievel, America’s legendary daredevil, known for his death-defying stunts and world record number of broken bones that followed, would have been 77 years old Saturday.
Decked out in jumpsuits — similar to those worn by Elvis Presley — Knievel is remembered just as much for his successful jumps as for his failed attempts.
Born Robert Craig Knievel on Oct. 17, 1938, the Florida-native got his motorcycle start after watching an automobile daredevil show at 8 years old.
The stunts left an impact and years later, a young Knievel was fired from his first job for doing a wheelie on an earth mover.
After world record-making stunts, 433 bone fractures and over two decades of jumps, the international icon who made crowds go wild died in 2007 — not from an adventure but from natural causes.
To mark what would have been his birthday, here is a look at some of his most memorable jumps — from ones that broke records to others that missed the mark:
CHECK OUT OUR NEW APP: GET THE DAILY NEWS ON ANDROID OR IOS
9. A tank filled with 13 sharks — Jan. 31, 1977
The remarkable stunt would be higher on the list if Knievel had succeeded.
In Chicago, Knievel tried to jump over a 90-foot-long tank filled with 13 sharks.
Before the main event, the stuntman lost control of his Harley-Davidson during a practice jump and crashed into a cameraman, who ended up losing his eye.
He fractured his collarbone and right arm and limited his major performances until his last stunt in 1980.
8. A box of rattlesnakes and two mountain lions — 1965
Struggling to provide for his family, Knievel remembered the daredevil show he had seen at a young age and decided to create his own stunt show.
He rented a venue, called up press and even served as his own master of ceremonies.
When the day came, he warmed up the audience with a few wheelies and for his grand finale, jumped over a twenty-foot-long box of rattlesnakes.
His back wheel hit the box towards the end so Knievel made up for it by jumping over two mountain lions.
7. 50 cars — Feb. 18, 1973
Knievel jumped over several cars throughout his career but his greatest number was 50 cars assembled into a pile of 18 rows.
He managed to fly over all of them without a scratch.
6. 18 Dodge Colts and a van — Feb. 28, 1971
Early in his career, Knievel did a 129-foot-long jump that was his longest at the time.
It involved 18 Dodge Colts and and a van on the Ontario Motor Speedway.
The feat was the basis of a film on Knievel called “Evel Knievel.”
5. Snake River Canyon — Sept. 8, 1974
The U.S government denied Knievel’s request to jump over the Grand Canyon so Knievel turned his efforts to a canyon in Idaho.
However, he wasn’t able to accomplish his goal. While his rocket-powered vehicle made it across the canyon, his parachute deployed too early and winds caused him to drift back into the canyon.
Yet, he managed to walk away with only minor cuts and scrapes.
4. 13 Double-decker buses — May 26, 1975
Knievel’s spirit was crushed after he failed to jump over 13 large buses.
He landed on the 13th London double-decker and fell face-first onto the ground.
He rallied and gave a speech, while injured, proclaiming to the audience that they had just seen his last jump.
3. A speeding motorcycle — Feb. 10, 1966
Putting his motorcycle aside, one of Knievel’s most dangerous jumps featured him on his own two feet.
It was still early in his career and Knievel tried to prove himself by jumping over a speeding bike headed right at him.
He failed and suffered a sprained groin and cracked ribs — enough to make him never try the challenge again.
2. 14 Greyhound buses — Oct. 25, 1975
Going back on his announcement to retire, Knievel broke a new record five months after his failed double-decker attempt.
He jumped over a 133-foot-long row of Greyhound buses, gaining ABC’s Wide World of Sports their highest ratings yet.
It was the last biggest jump of his career.
1. Caesar’s Palace Fountain — Dec. 31, 1967
Going for his longest stunt ever, Knievel used all his star power to have the Caesar’s Palace Hotel agree to his 141-foot-long jump.
He managed to jump over the ornate fountain but failed to accelerate enough to make a safe landing. Instead, he rolled over on a safety ramp and wound up in the hospital for 29 days with several injuries.
He wouldn’t be Evel Knievel if just four months later he didn’t get back on his bike and jump over 13 cars.
