Steve McQueen was one of the greatest movie stars ever and an avid car collector. He owned over 18 cars, from classic American muscle cars to exotic European sports cars.
In this blog post, we will look at the amazing cars owned by Steve McQueen and explore the stories behind them.
18. Ferrari 275 GTB/4
Steve McQueen was a car enthusiast, and his car collection reflects that. One of the cars owned by Steve McQueen was a Ferrari 275 GTB/4.
This classic Italian car was produced from 1964 to 1968 and was one of the few four-seat sports cars to come out of Italy then.
Its 3.3L V12 engine made it a powerful and stylish ride, perfect for McQueen’s style.
The 275 GTB/4 was a favorite of McQueen, and he owned a few examples over the years, including a blue example he drove in the film The Thomas Crown Affair.
In addition to this car, McQueen also owned two Porsche 911S models, one he modified with racing gear.
In 1971, McQueen purchased a Jaguar XKSS – an early supercar and the precursor to modern cars like the McLaren F1 – which he kept until 1977.
He also had several Mercedes-Benz models, such as a 280SE coupe and a 300SL Gullwing.
Other cars owned by Steve McQueen included an Austin Mini Cooper S, a Shelby Mustang GT350R, and an AC Cobra, which is considered by many to be one of the most iconic cars ever built.
17. Ford Mustang GT 390
Steve McQueen is famous for his love of cars, and one of his favorite makes was the Ford Mustang.
One of the cars owned by Steve McQueen was a 1967 Ford Mustang GT 390.
This car was purchased from one of McQueen’s friends, who had modified it to make it even more powerful.
The car was also featured in the 1968 film Bullitt, with McQueen as the driver.
The car is said to have been an extension of McQueen’s wild lifestyle, with its larger engine and custom touches.
Today, the Mustang GT 390 is considered an iconic classic and one of the most valuable cars owned by Steve McQueen.
It sold at auction in 2021 for over $3 million, making it one of the most expensive cars ever.
Another car owned by Steve McQueen that made headlines was his 1960 Porsche 356B Cabriolet.
This car was part of McQueen’s car collection that he housed on his private ranch. It was well-maintained during his ownership and sold at auction in 2012 for over $500,000.
16. 1958 Porsche 1600 Super Speedster
The 1958 Porsche 1600 Super Speedster was one of the cars owned by Steve McQueen.
This classic Porsche was a limited production model, and only just over 1,000 were ever made.
It was an iconic two-seater roadster with a powerful engine capable of reaching speeds up to 160 mph.
The Porsche was also incredibly lightweight, which made it perfect for racing.
McQueen famously drove the car in the 1959 film The Great Escape, where it showcased its impressive power and handling.
The Super Speedster had a 4-speed manual transmission and featured a removable top, making it perfect for taking on the open road.
McQueen’s passion for cars was clear in his ownership of this stunning piece of automotive history.
15. 1969 Porsche 911S
The 1969 Porsche 911S was one of the many cars owned by Steve McQueen.
The 911S was one of Porsche’s most iconic cars, and the model McQueen chose for his personal use reflected that.
It featured a flat-six engine producing 175 hp to propel it from 0 to 60 in 7 seconds.
The car also featured classic styling with its swooping lines, oval headlamps, and sloping rear window, creating an iconic silhouette.
With its four-wheel independent suspension and efficient power delivery, the 911S was perfectly suited to McQueen’s need for speed and maneuverability.
14. Ferrari 250 GT Berlinetta Lusso
Steve McQueen was an avid collector of cars, including a Ferrari 250 GT Berlinetta Lusso.
This car was one of Ferrari’s most beautiful and sought-after cars ever produced.
It was powered by a 3-liter V12 engine, which could produce up to 240 horsepower.
With its elegant design, powerful performance, and rarity, this Ferrari 250 GT Berlinetta Lusso is a must-have for any collector of cars owned by Steve McQueen.
13. 1967 Mini Cooper S 1275
The 1967 Mini Cooper S 1275 was one of the cars owned by Steve McQueen.
It was a lightweight and relatively powerful car, perfect for driving around town and taking on the racetracks.
McQueen owned several versions of the Mini, including a 1966 Countryman, a 1967 Austin Cooper S, and a 1967 Mini Cooper S 1275.
He loved the car and often drove it to film sets and around his California ranch. He owned this model from 1967 until he died in 1980.
According to reports, he even added extra headlights to the car for improved visibility.
Another car owned by Steve McQueen was the 1971 Porsche 911S Targa. With its distinctive Targa top, this car was both practical and stylish.
McQueen used it as his daily driver in Los Angeles, enjoying its performance on twisting canyon roads.
12. 1961 Cooper T-56 Mark II
Steve McQueen was known for his love of cars and owned an impressive collection of vehicles during his lifetime.
One of his favorites was the 1961 Cooper T-56 Mark II. This car had an 850cc engine and could reach speeds up to 135 mph.
The Cooper was a very lightweight car designed for racing purposes; Steve McQueen owned this car for nearly a decade and used it for many different activities.
He raced it in rallies, drove it in public road events, and even used it in his movie Bullitt.
The Cooper T-56 Mark II was one of the cars owned by Steve McQueen that helped cement his legacy as a gearhead icon.
11. Von Dutch 1904 Winton Flyer Replica
The Von Dutch 1904 Winton Flyer Replica was one of the many cars owned by Steve McQueen.
It’s a replica of the first car to break the 100mph barrier, the Winton Flyer, which the Winton Motor Carriage Company manufactured in 1904.
Dutchman Kees Nierop, an avid car enthusiast specializing in building classic car replicas, built the replica.
McQueen purchased the replica in 1967 and drove it for several years until he sold it in the early 70s.
He is known for often driving the car to work at MGM studios during the filming of Bullitt.
The Von Dutch 1904 Winton Flyer Replica is one of the most recognizable cars owned by Steve McQueen and is a testament to his love for classic automobiles.
10. Special Order 1976 Porsche 930 Turbo Carrera
Steve McQueen had a penchant for special-order cars, and the 1976 Porsche 930 Turbo Carrera was no exception.
McQueen customized this model, including an exclusive paint job in Porsche’s “Speed Yellow.”
The car was equipped with a 3.3-liter turbocharged engine, which helped propel it to a top speed of 160 mph.
With its sleek design and powerful engine, this car quickly became one of the most coveted cars owned by Steve McQueen.
Unfortunately, the car was destroyed in an accident shortly after it was purchased, leaving only the legacy of its performance and style.
Despite its untimely demise, the 1976 Porsche 930 Turbo Carrera remains an iconic example of the cars owned by Steve McQueen.
9. 1959 Lotus Eleven
The 1959 Lotus Eleven is a classic sports car that was among the cars owned by Steve McQueen.
The car developed Colin Chapman’s revolutionary mid-engined layout and was constructed from steel, aluminum, and fiberglass.
Powered by a 1,100cc Ford engine, the Eleven could reach speeds of up to 130mph and was considered a serious competitor on race tracks.
As such, it is no wonder that McQueen was attracted to the car, taking ownership of the model in 1962. It remains one of the most iconic cars owned by the actor.
8. 1951 Hudson Hornet
The 1951 Hudson Hornet was one of the cars owned by Steve McQueen. It was a classic car with a 3.6-liter straight-six engine and a manual transmission.
The Hornet was known for its power, acceleration, and durability, making it an ideal car for McQueen.
He owned the car in the mid-1960s and often drove it around Hollywood, always drawing attention from passersby.
McQueen loved the Hudson Hornet and often used it in his stunts and for transportation to the set of his movies.
The car is now housed at the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles, where visitors can see this classic car owned by Steve McQueen.
7. 1969 Porsche 908/2 Flunder Spyder
Steve McQueen was an avid car enthusiast and collector, and the 1969 Porsche 908/2 Flunder Spyder was one of the cars they owned by him.
The Porsche 908/2 was a limited edition race car produced by Porsche between 1968 and 1971 and raced in the World Sportscar Championship.
A 3.0-liter flat-eight engine with an aluminum monocoque chassis powered it.
McQueen’s example of the 908/2 Flunder Spyder was originally owned by actor Paul Newman and modified for racing with a long tail bodywork and a power bulge on the hood.
McQueen acquired the car in 1971 and used it as a daily driver until 1975 when he sold it to a private collector in England.
Today, this rare car is one of the few remaining cars owned by Steve McQueen.
6. Shelby Cobra 289
One of the most iconic cars owned by Steve McQueen was his Shelby Cobra 289.
This car was used in Bullitt, which is considered one of the most influential action films of all time.
McQueen drove this car during the famous chase scene, and many viewers praised the car’s performance.
The Shelby Cobra 289 is an American sports car built in 1962, and a 4.7-liter Ford V8 engine powers it.
It has a four-speed manual transmission, a tubular frame chassis, and an aluminum body.
The combination of these features allows for excellent performance, making it a perfect choice for Bullitt’s fast-paced car chase scenes.
5. 1972 Mercedes-Benz 300SEL 6.3
Steve McQueen was the proud owner of a 1972 Mercedes-Benz 300SEL 6.3, a powerful and luxurious vehicle that fit his refined style.
The 6.3-liter V8 engine was one of the biggest available at the time, providing impressive power for this classic luxury car.
McQueen was frequently seen driving his Mercedes-Benz, considered one of the most iconic cars owned by Steve McQueen, around town.
The classic lines and elegant design of the 300SEL made it stand out among other cars owned by Steve McQueen.
4. Baja Boot
The Baja Boot was one of the most iconic cars owned by Steve McQueen.
McQueen created this one-of-a-kind vehicle in collaboration with off-road racer and automotive engineer Vic Hickey.
The car was designed to tackle the desert terrain and featured a 350 HP V8 engine, four-wheel drive, and huge tires.
It was originally intended to be used in the 1967 Baja 1000 race, but sadly that never happened. However, the car still lives on in popular culture as one of the greatest cars owned by McQueen.
3. Austin Healey “Sebring Sprite.”
One of the most recognizable cars owned by Steve McQueen was the Austin Healey “Sebring Sprite.”
This two-seater was originally designed for racing and was used in the 12 Hours of Sebring race in 1962.
McQueen owned the car from 1967 until he died in 1980, and it has since been restored and is currently on display in the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles.
The iconic vehicle features a white body, red racing stripes, and a black interior.
The Austin Healey “Sebring Sprite” is a classic example of McQueen’s love for vintage automobiles.
2. 1952 Chevy 3800 Pickup with Camper
Steve McQueen was an avid car collector and had many classic cars in his possession.
One of the cars owned by Steve McQueen was a 1952 Chevy 3800 Pickup with a Camper. This truck had been heavily modified and customized, giving it a unique look.
The truck was equipped with a custom camper shell and a high-performance engine. It was painted in two-tone blue, giving it an eye-catching look.
The Chevy 3800 was a powerful truck that could tow heavy loads, making it ideal for camping trips.
Steve McQueen often took his Chevy 3800 Pickup with Camper on off-road trips to remote locations, allowing him to explore the great outdoors.
1. Jaguar XKSS
The Jaguar XKSS was one of the most iconic cars owned by Steve McQueen.
This classic sports car was originally produced in 1957 and was based on the D-Type racing model.
It was designed for street use, but due to its racing heritage, it could perform like a race car.
The XKSS had a powerful 3.4-liter engine that could reach speeds up to 150 mph. The interior was fully trimmed with leather and wood, creating a luxurious atmosphere.
The XKSS has become an iconic car in automotive history due to its connection with Steve McQueen.
Conclusion
Unsurprisingly, the King of Cool had an impressive collection of cars. From classic roadsters to off-road beasts, Steve McQueen’s 18 cars were as diverse and iconic as the man himself.
Each car was a piece of automotive history, from the 1958 Porsche 1600 Super Speedster to the 1969 Porsche 911S.
Collectively, these vehicles encapsulated Steve McQueen’s adventurous spirit and passionate commitment to car culture.
Today, these cars owned by Steve McQueen remain a testament to his legacy and serve as a reminder of his larger-than-life persona.
