By Robert Tate, Award-Winning Automotive Historian and Researcher
Images Courtesy of Steve McQueen’s Estate, Warner Brothers
Published 7.31.2024
Steve McQueen sitting in front of a Ferrari
Steve McQueen (March 24, 1930 - November 7, 1980) was one of the most talented actors of the 1960s and 1970s that I personally admired for many years. The 1968 movie “Bullitt” was one of my favorite movies, featuring a great car chase scene with McQueen driving that popular Mustang GT 390 model.
McQueen driving a 1968 Mustang in "Bullitt" (Warner Bros/Seven Arts)
Born in Beech Grove, Indiana, McQueen was not just a great actor, but he was also a professional race car driver, car enthusiast and collector. McQueen was a big fan of auto racing as well. Some people called him the “king of cool” with his great success in Hollywood and as a race car driver. In addition, some automotive historians called him a vivid car collector.
Steve McQueen "Bullitt" poster, 1968 (Warner Bros/Seven Arts)
During the 1960s and 1970s, McQueen accumulated a very nice automotive collection, including some very rare vehicles. Automotive historians have said that the Italian Gran Turismo coupe was McQueen’s favorite car in his collection. Although he never owned the legendary Mustang GT390 model that he drove in the popular movie “Bullitt” against a newly designed 1968 Dodge Charger, today that car remains an iconic Mustang revered by fans from all over the world. It appeared at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit in 2018 in the Ford Motor Company display after more than 40 years in hiding.
McQueen's 1956 Jaguar XKSS
Not all of McQueen’s cars in his collection were expensive or high-performance automobiles. For example, he had a 1952 Hudson Wasp two-door model, which was one of his favorites.
McQueen's 1963 Ferrari 250 GT Lusso
One of the first classic cars McQueen bought was a 1956 Jaguar XKSS. It was a very rare automobile, with only 16 XKSS models ever made. He purchased it in 1958, sold it in 1969, and then repurchased the same car in 1977. McQueen actually used the Jaguar XKSS for a time as a daily driver and sometimes would race it on the streets for his entertainment.
Stee McQueen and Carroll Shelby with a 1960s Cobra
McQueen was also a great fan of European sports car styling. In 1970, he starred in the popular movie “Le Mans,” which brought more racing excitement to his career. However, it was his exciting car collection that created much passion and praise among car enthusiasts that was really appreciated.
McQueen's 1953 Hudson Hornet sedan
In conclusion, Steve McQueen was an avid car collector. Some called him a true motorhead. From Hudsons to Porsches, McQueen loved automotive history. Unfortunately, he passed away on November 7, 1980, leaving behind a vast collection of cars and motorcycles reflective of his passion. McQueen was also one of the top box-office draws during the 1960s and 1970s, which enabled him to build a fantastic car collection that automotive enthusiasts will always remember.
McQueen's 1970 "Le Mans" movie poster (Cinema Center Films)
Bibliography
Gillogly, Brandon. “5 Celebrity-Owned Rides from the Petersen Vault.” July 5, 2018.
Herbez, Vukasin. “20 Classic Cars from Steve McQueen’s Collection.” Motor Junkie, February 22, 2020.
Burgess, Jon. “The 10 Most Valuable Steve McQueen Cars Sold at Auction.” Hagerty, April 22, 2022.