Exploring The Legacy Of Steve McQueen: The King Of Cool And His Legendary Cars

Steve McQueen was one cool dude. In fact, McQueen has been called "The King of Cool," and that pretty much says it all. Known for his iconic roles in films like The Magnificent Seven, The Great Escape, Bullitt, and The Getaway, he wasn't just an actor; he was a car enthusiast with a remarkable collection. By 1974, McQueen had become the highest-paid actor in the world, boasting a net worth equal to $30 million when adjusted for inflation. His passion for luxury cars was evident as he spent a significant portion of his earnings on his beloved automobiles.

Another fascinating aspect of McQueen's life is his rags-to-riches story. He faced numerous challenges growing up, including getting involved with the wrong crowd and becoming a gang member during his teenage years. At just 14 years old, he was apprehended for stealing hubcaps, which led him to a youth treatment facility called the Boys Republic in Chino Hills, California. Afterward, he served in the United States Marine Corps, and upon completing his service, he utilized the GI Bill to study acting at Sanford Meisner's Neighborhood Playhouse, paving the way for his successful career.

Among the remarkable cars he owned, the slate gray 1976 Porsche 930 stands out as the last one he ever special ordered. This first-generation Porsche 911 turbo is one of many of McQueen's cars that have gone up for auction over the years. Notably, he customized this luxury car with a switch on the dashboard that could kill the tail lights to evade the authorities, allowing him to make daring getaways reminiscent of his film roles. This car, featuring a 3.0-liter engine, is expected to fetch a significant amount at auction, especially given the so-called "Steve McQueen effect," which has seen other vehicles he owned sell for millions.