WORLDWIDE BREAKING NEWS

 Steve McQueen Car and Bike Memorabilia to be Auctioned

DISCLAIMER: By now you should know that I'm a big Steve McQueen fan.  I love many of his films, with I could afford a new Bullitt-edition Mustang, and have written a book about his cars, bikes, and racing.  If you don't enjoy this topic, feel free to change the channel.  Won't hurt my feelings, I promise.

For those of you who are still here, you might be interested to know that some pretty cool McQueen stuff is about to hit the auction block.  Neile McQueen Toffel (aka Neile Adams) is McQueen's first wife, the mother of his children, and perhaps the person who most influenced his life.  The two divorced in 1972, and Steve McQueen passed away in 1980.

Ms. Adams has decided it's time to clean out her closets, and she's pulled out some dandy stuff.  There are many household items, things that appeared in movies, lots of correspondence (including many with Steve autographs on them), and a number of interesting firearms (film props and personal pieces).  Car and bike aficionados won't be disappointed either, as there are several goodies that will appeal to those of us that appreciate McQueen's passion for motorized two- and four-wheeled toys.  Here are a few of my favorites.

ISDT Driver's License - Steve McQueen represented the United States as a member of our International Six Day Trials motorcycle team in 1964.  The race race was a grueling marathon that took place in Germany.  Teamed with the late Bud Ekins and others, McQueen was on a gold-medal pace until his Triumph was damaged beyond repair (Ekins also took a rare tumble, breaking his leg).  This piece is McQueen's actual license for the event. 

First Racing Trophy - This may look like a cheap pewter cup.  And it is.  But it was won by McQueen at an SCCA event in Santa Barbara, California in 1959.  The meet was the first organized motor race in which McQueen competed.  He won, coming home first in the E-Production category in his '58 Porsche Speedster.  It is fair to say that this event let to another dozen or so years committed to motorsport.

Autographed Movie Still from Bullitt -- That tweed blazer, turtleneck shirt, and steely gaze could only be one man: Steve McQueen as Frank Bullitt.  The significance of this film, and its 10-or-so-minuted car chase scene that is still considered the best ever, don't need to be repeated here.  McQueen was at his icy cool best in 1968, and this throwaway movie still is signed by The Man in faded waterproof marker.

Letter on Solar Productions Letterhead -- You may or may not have been aware that McQueen, along with many other Hollywood elite of the day, was on the Manson family hit list.  This letter is interesting in three ways: it talks about that event, requesting that McQueen's gun permit be expedited; it was written on letterhead leftover from the filming of Le Mans, which had just wrapped; and it is another piece of correspondence in the sale that was signed by Steve.

Mrs. McQueen's Racing Jacket from Le Mans -- McQueen's Solar Productions crew wore these yellow jackets during that summer of 1970 when Le Mans was being filmed in France.  This is Mrs. McQueen's personal jacket, as the monogram attests to.  She's a tiny lady so this won't fit everyone, but the jacket is in perfect condition, and an interesting piece from an experience now long ago and far away.

2001 Ford Mustang Bullitt Pre-Production -- When Ford developed the original Bullitt-edition Mustang for the '01 model year, the first four were specially numbered and reserved for the McQueen family and other friends of the house.  Son Chad McQueen owns #1; daughter Terry McQueen Flattery was to receive #2, but passed away prior to the completion of the project.  It is now owned by Steve and Neile's granddaughter Molly; the marketing guy who put the deal together ended up with #3, and Ford retained #4.  The car offered for sale here is the #2 McQueen Bullitt, one of only two built for the family.  It is as new, with less than 50 miles on the clock.  Talk about instant collectible.

Bonham's California Classic: A Sale of Important Motorcars, Motorcycles, and Memorabilia (Sale 16122)

October 25, 2008, beginning at 11:00 AM

The Petersen Automotive Museum, 6060 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, California

www.bonhams.com