Steve McQueen Trophies to Go Under the Hammer

Back in January we were telling you that the very motorcycle featured on the front cover of the August 1971 issue of Sports Illustrated being ridden by none other than Steve McQueen, will go under the hammer at Quail Lodge on May 14, 2011. Now it appears that the Huskiewill be joined by the actor’s collection of racing trophies in the forthcoming sale.

Consisting of awards from McQueen’s long history of both motorcar and motorcycle racing, the nearly two-dozen pieces in the collection will be sold individually and with no reserve.

In addition, a complete collection of 19 unpublished photographs of McQueen at the Ascot Park races will be offered, as well as race programs, a wooden trunk used by McQueen to haul his personal effects, and even the original Solar Productions patent for the plastic safety seat designed by McQueen, called the “Baja Bucket.”

“Bonhams has continuously been the representative for Steve McQueen-related items sold at auction, beginning with the widely publicized and record-breaking 2006 “Steve McQueen Sale” in Los Angeles. With a trusted history in this market, not to mention the enduring appeal of one of Hollywood’s most beloved leading men, this sale is sure to generate global interest,” a company statement reads.

Spanning a period from the late 1950s to the mid-70s, the collection includes some of the following trophies:

• 1959 Santa Barbara Road Races, 3rd Place – McQueen’s first big race, driving a Lotus XI
• 1969 IDRA 4x4 Ascot Park, 1st Place
• 1961 RRMC Hare Scramble, 2nd Place
• 1964 RRMC “Long Distance Champion”
• 1964 District 37 Championship Hare Scrambles, 2nd Place
• 1971 ACE, 3rd place