First Test: 2008 Ford Mustang Bullitt
McQueen's Machines: More than Mustangs
Steve McQueen owned dozens of great cars and more than 200 motorcycles in his life. He worked automobiles and motorcycles into his films and enjoyed a more than respectable racing career. Here are a few nuggets from McQueen's metaphorical garage.
Porsche 908
This Porsche 908 Spyder is the only car McQueen owned and raced, and that figured into one of his films. Purchased by his Solar Productions company, he ran the 908 at Sebring in 1970, nearly pulling a Cinderella win against faster, factory efforts. It was later converted to a camera car for the filming of "Le Mans."
Photo: Harry Hurst
1969 Porsche 911S
This isn't the car that character Michael Delaney drove in "Le Mans," but clearly inspired it. McQueen purchased this 1969 911S new in late 1968 and owned it until his passing in 1980. It was the first of his three 911s painted the non-metallic slate gray color he's often associated with. It's still in the family-and not for sale.
Photo: Matt Stone
1957 Ford Truck
Later in life, McQueen took to driving old pickups, whether it was near the airplane hanger in Santa Paula, around his property in Idaho, or to the best restaurant in Beverly Hills. This well-trashed 1957 Ford was among the most charming. But the beard, hat, and can of beer still couldn't hide those piercing blue eyes.
Photo: Barbara Minty McQueen
Lotus 11 and 1957 Jaguar XK-SS
A rare snap showing the acting icon with two rare British machines. In the foreground is his Lotus 11, the first pure sports racer he owned. Behind is his 1957 Jaguar XK-SS, one of 16, and a car for which wife Neile Adams McQueen recalls paying $5000, not long after the couple moved to Los Angeles from New York.
Photo: Chad McQueen collection
1967 Mini Cooper
"In the 1960s, you just weren't a movie star until you owned a Ferrari and a Mini," according to Hollywood paint and body wizard Lee Brown. McQueen bought the car new in 1967 and had Brown change the color from British Racing Green to metallic gold, among other custom touches.
Photo: Lee Brown collection
Ferrari 275 GTS/4 NART Spyder
McQueen owned three Ferraris. Besides a 1963 Lusso (Motor Trend Classic, Issue 2), he had a 275 GTS, and this one-of-10 275 GTS/4 NART Spyder. This isn't the same NART that appeared in McQueen's flick, "The Thomas Crown Affair," but there's little doubt McQueen's exposure to it prompted this purchase.
Photo: Chuck Queener
Chevrolet Corvette
The family photo album contained this happy snap of McQueen's mother-in-law and a young Chad, long before bike helmets were required. Over McQueen the Younger's shoulder is his mom and dad's second Corvette. This midyear coupe was preceded by a late 1950s Vette that Neile crashed while working in Vegas.
Photo: Chad McQueen collection
Matt Stone is the author of the newly released "McQueen's Machines: The Cars and Bikes of a Hollywood Icon." Foreword by Chad McQueen. Hardbound, 176 pages, 200-plus photographs. MBI Publishing. 800/826-6600, motorbooks.com