Steve McQueen, racer and actor, was the king of cool and he’s the latest motorsport icon to be featured on the silver screen. Check out the trailer to Steve McQueen: The man and Le Mans after the break.
Steve McQueen: The man and Le Mans is the story of obsession, betrayal and ultimate vindication. It is the story of how one of the most volatile, charismatic stars of his generation, who seemingly lost so much he held dear in the pursuit of his dream, nevertheless followed it to the end.
Remember that seriously cool Porsche 917 we told you about last month. That’s right, it’s up for auction in a bit over a week. Turns out it has a very cool back story.
Actually, it also turns out the car may no longer be for sale. It’s not currently listed on the website of selling agent Gooding & Company; we’ve fired off an email to see what we can find out.
Anyway, returning to the background of 917-024. It was entered by Porsche in the 1969 Spa 1000km race. It tested at Le Mans, although never raced in anger. After Porsche was finished with it former factory driver Jo Siffert bought the car and then loaned it out for use in the legendary Steve McQueen film Le Mans. Siffert was also used during the making of the film for many of the driving scenes.
In 1970, after filming of Le Mans had finished, the car had reached the end of its useful life. Regulation changes meant the 917 was no longer able to be raced and back then there were no Goodwood Revival or Festival of Speed type meets of any merit to extend the car’s life.
Siffert was killed in a minor race meeting at Brands Hatch in 1971. His 917 remained with his estate until 1978 when it was bought by a French car collector. Unbelievably, by today’s standards, chassis 917-024 then sat in a barn, and idle, for 23 years.
In 2002 the car was discovered by Uwe Meissner, from German-based restorers Modena Motorsport. The 917’s owner had recently passed away and Meissner brokered a deal with the estate to sell it on and found a backer willing to buy and fund the required restoration project.
After the break you can see a short video on the car’s restoration. It was a no expense spared operation! We’ll let you know if we hear back from Gooding & Company, too.
[Source: Car Build Index | Thanks to Tiaan for the tip]
UPDATE 6 August: Here’s the from Gooding & Company: “The car has been withdrawn from the sale. Gooding & Company does not comment on property withdrawn from our auctions.”
The Porsche 917, in Gulf Racing colours, is one of the coolest racing cars ever made. It was incredibly fast and that racing livery is as stunning today as it was over 40 years ago. The 917 even gave Steve McQueen a run for top billing in the movie Le Mans.
In mid-August when Gooding & Company holds its Pebble Beach auction you’ll be able to have your chance to buy this 1969 917-024. Once owned by Jo Siffert it was the first 917 to compete and it was also featured in Le Mans.
Start buying your lottery tickets!
It’s hard to believe, perhaps, but I’ve never found the time to watch the legendary Steve McQueen film Le Mans. With Mark Webber’s latest career move now confirmed this is something I need to put right. Jonathan Moore from Speedhunters has whet my appetite with his intro to the film:
…Le Mans was brutally raw. McQueen’s main driver, Michael Delaney, says little during the entire film and nothing at all until 36 minutes in. Dialogue in general is scarce. He lets the cars do the talking.
The start scene is a case in point, and still sends shivers down my spine. You see the main cars: Porsche 917s, Ferrari 512s. You see the drivers and their preparations. McQueen almost caressing his steering wheel, officials unfurling flags, visors coming down… But you hear nothing. No sound at all.
Then as the clock ticks down you hear the staccato beat of a heart, increasing in tempo as 4pm approaches… Fingers flicker near starters, spectators crane forward for a better view… The heartbeat gets quicker, louder… And then the clock strikes 4pm, the flag drops and all hell is unleashed on track. It’s automotive perfection.
Watch this clip, then buy the film, sit back and revel in McQueen’s unbridled passion. It’s the kind of film that’s unlikely to ever be made again. Perhaps only Rush will come close?
So, I’m going to take his advice and address the flaws of my movie watching history. How about you, have you seen the film? Tell me about it in the comments section. And if you haven’t, join me in the quest to tick a box that should have been ticked many years ago!
Yesterday was Steve McQueen‘s 80th birthday. He was the King of cool, thanks largely to his starring roles in movies like Le Mans and Bullitt. Seemingly, he had it all. But apart from the obvious perks of fast cars and women, McQueen had style and class. May he rest in peace.
[via Motor Morph]
Watchmaker TAG Heuer has created this spliced video featuring Steve McQueen and Lewis Hamilton to promote its new Monaco 360 LS range. Titled “The Duel” the ad centres around footage from the 1971 film Le Mans, in which McQueen wore an original TAG Monaco.
It’s cheesy, it’s a bit naff, but the watches are tres cool. I think I prefer the original. What about you?
The ad can be viewed after the jump.
[Source: Watch Happening via Fourtitude]