VIDEO // LES 24 HEURES DU MANS 1970

Courtesy of Dede Seward, check out this footage shot during the 1970 24 Hours of Le Mans. What appears to be extracts from Steve McQueen's infamous movie, Le Mans, we felt like this was a great way to kick off our coverage of this years race. 5 days 6 hours 41 minutes // [comment]

VIDEO // THE 1970 TWELVE HOURS OF SEBRING

Filmed at the 1970 Twelve Hours of Sebring, featured above is an excerpt from a full-length film that is now a part of the State Archives of Florida. Featuring a handful of motorsport legends, to include Mario Andretti, Dan Gurney, Jackie Ickx, Pedro Rodriguez and actor turned race car driver, Steve McQueen, the action on track was non-stop, with Ferrari driver Mario Andretti narrowly escaping the Porsche of Steve McQueen, who was driving with a cast on his right foot.

Produced by Triangle Productions in association with the Automobile Racing Club of Florida, click here for a look at the full-length version // [comment]

HISTORY // STEVE McQUEEN & THE BAJA BOOT

The Hurst Baja Boot was first envisioned by Vic Hickey, one of General Motors top engineers of the time. And although GM had no official program oriented toward off road racing at the time, Hickey and Drino Miller worked tirelessly to complete the Baja Boot in just 26 days.

Built at the Hurst facility in Michigan, the Baja Boot’s chasis was constructed of SAE- 1010 13/4-inch steel tubing and weighed just 3,450 pounds. It’s suspension system included parts from Chevrolet’s Corvette and utilized a Dana transfer case to shift power from one end of the 112 inch chassis to the other... [read more]

Powered by a 350 c.i. V8, the Baja Boot featured 11-inch Hurst-Airheart disc brakes, a 20-inch-diameter six blade fan with reversed pitch and could be operated in front wheel drive when the driver opted to disengage the transfer case.

Steve McQueen and Bud Ekins first raced the Baja Boot in the ‘Stardust 7-11’ off-road race in June of 1968. Covering more than 320 miles, the race started at the Stardust raceway in Las Vegas, Nevada, and ran across the Amargosa desert.

Shortly before the race began, McQueen told the media: “I’ve lined me up a sweet machine for this one called the ‘Baja Boot.’ Chevy powered. Four hundred and fifty horses under the bonnet. Space frame construction. Four-wheel drive. Independant suspension. And ’smooth’! I can notch close to a hundred over a sand wash and you better believe that’s moving.”

McQueen and Edkins were doing quite well in the race until, as McQueen describes to to writer William F. Nolan: “We were really battin’ along, feeling good about the car and our chances with it, when we see this big fat wheel rolling along beside us. It’s our wheel!  The axle had popped.  Well, that did it. We just sat on our tails in the desert ’till help came.”

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Images and Info: The Selvedge Yard
Editorial: Justin W. Coffey

HISTORY // STEVE MCQUEEN ON THE PORSCHE 911

When Porsche released their new 911 sports car in 1966, Sports Illustrated asked guest automotive reviewer and star of the silver screen, Steve McQueen, to have a go in the new rear engined German automobile. Known for his interest in sports cars and having previously reviewed cars for Sports Illustrated, to include the latest models from Aston Martin, Ferrari, Alfa Romeo, Mercedes-Benz, Jaguar, and the latest Cobra and Corvette, McQueen was more than happy to review the new 911.

What follows is an excerpt from that article... [read more]

“Like the 230SL, the other German car, the Porsche 911, was a six. The Mercedes straight-six is in the front. The Porsche flat-six, with horizontally opposed cylinders—an engine developed from the Grand Prix car of a few seasons ago—is in the rear. I was curious to see how much the Porsche had changed since I raced my Super, which had the four-cylinder engine. Boy, it’s changed. Road noise used to be a problem with that rear-engine location, but on the 911 I got very little noise. The old Porsches had that violent oversteer tendency, and they would get out of whack with no warning. You’d be hung out and locked in your steering with nowhere to go. We used to decamber the rear wheels 2?° to 3?°, so they kind of looked like somebody had sat on them, and toe them in half a degree to get a certain amount of stability. Now the problem has been corrected. The 911 was a very neutral-handling car, very docile, very pleasant to drive, and the five-speed gearbox sure was easy to use. The brakes were just fine. Once a gust of wind caught me on the back straight and slid me over a few feet, but the car didn’t get radical in its handling.

There is a four-cylinder Porsche—the less expensive 912—and I imagine it has a little more snap at low RPM than the 911 but not as much top speed. With that six the 911 honks right along.”

Images and Info: The Chicane

JDM MOVIE POSTER // STEVE MCQUEEN AS BULLITT

Courtesy of our friends at 0-60 Magazine, check out this JDM poster for Steve McQueen's 1968 film, Bullitt.

Released in Japan shortly after its debut in the states, Bullitt became a big hit with the Japanese youth, as it was the first film to feature a live action car chase. And as far as we're concerned, it is still one of the best chase scenes ever shown on the silver screen // [comment]

PORSCHE POSTER FRIDAY // STEVE MCQUEEN EDITION

Courtesy of our friends at the Axis of Oversteer, enjoy what may be the last installment in our Porsche Poster Friday bit. I mean come on, what's better than a Steve McQueen Porsche poster?

Click here to download your copy // [comment]

GEAR // A TRIUMPH AND TAG HEUER COLLABORATION

TAG Heuer and Triumph Motorcycles have teamed up to create a one-off Bonneville Heuer motorcycle inspired by the late, great, Steve McQueen and his Porsche 917 K. The Bonneville Heuer is painted in the classic Gulf Oil blue and orange paint scheme and will be used for promotional purposes.

Celebrating both the 40th anniversary of the TAG Heuer Monaco Chronograph, which Steve McQueen famously wore in the 1970 film Le Mans, and the 50th anniversary of the Triumph Bonneville, the Bonneville Heuer will unfortunately not be available to the public. Follow the link for a closer look... [read more]




Images and Info: Autoblog
Editorial: Justin W. Coffey

GEAR // TAG HEUER MONACO V4 LIMITED EDITION

Based on Tag Heuer’s 2004 Monaco V4 Concept Watch, the limited edition Monaco V4 will be released just in time for the Swiss watchmakers 150th anniversarry. Featuring a belt driven transmission that replaces the traditional pinion wheel mechanical movement, a linear mass that replaces the normal oscillating mass, a platinum case, beveled and arched sappire crystal and an alligator strap with titanium insert, it suffices to say, that the 150 units being produced will be quite desirable. Hand assembled by watch master Denis Badin, Tag Heuer has yet to release a price, but lets assume it’s quite a bit. For more info on the new Tag Heuer Monaco V4, click here // [comment]

A LOOK BACK // THE MAKING OF A CLASSIC - BULLITT

In 1968, Steve McQueen and director Peter Yates set out to film one of the most ambitious chase scenes in Hollywood history. Long before CGI and post-processing techniques allowed Nicholas Cage to launch ‘Elenaor’ some 300ft without issue, McQueen and stunt driver Bill Hickman terrorized the hills of San Francisco at over 100mph, with McQueen at the wheel of a 1968 Ford Mustang and Hickman in a 1968 Charger R/T 440.

Follow the link for a 10-minuute ‘making of’film highlighting the infamous chase scene... [read more]

Making of Bullitt




Videos courtesy of Chris Shunk @ Autoblog

WHAT WE'RE READING // OCTANE MAGAZINE - JUNE 2009

We picked up the most recent issue of Octane Magazine, dubbed the 'Cool' issue. An attempt at defining what exactly cool is, the gentlemen at Octane have dived deep into the pool of the anti-establishment, the no frills counterculture if you will, in order to determine what makes something cool, particularly in this case, what makes a car cool. A great bit of editorial accompanied by some interesting photos of Hollywood legends as you have never seen them before. Follow the link for a look... [read more]

Saab's are not always on the cool list, often hearkening back memories of polo clad prep-school kids and overzealous mid-management types in red 900S convertibles. That being said, there are a few Swedish built Saab's that make the grade, one of which is this recreation of the Saab 93 that competed in the 1959 24 Hours of Le Mans.

Not to spoil the conclusion of Octane's look at not only what makes a car cool, but just what car is the coolest, here is a look at their choice for the 16th coolest car... Additionally, Octane listed off a few cool people, places and things in their roundup, one of which is a pair of Ray-Ban Aviators.

We won't tell you where the Mini Cooper placed on Octane's list of coolest cars, but we will say this; if the Mini Cooper is cool, which it most certainly is, and James Garner, famed star of the 1966 film Grand Prix, is cool, then the Mini would almost certainly place high atop Octane's list, no?

Adamant supporters of print media, we recommend you run out and grab a copy of Octane's June issue in order to see the complete results from their look at what makes a cool car, cool.

Photo/Editorial: Justin Coffey

THE CARS OF MCQUEEN [PART 3] // 1957 JAGUAR XK-SS

For part three of ‘The Cars of McQueen,’ we decided to have a look at Steve McQueen’s 1957 Jaguar XK-SS. Based on Jaguars D-Type, the XK-SS featured a 3.4-liter DOHC straight six, which was fed by a trio of Weber carbureators and produced 250bhp at 6,000 RPM... [read more]

Here is a look at the XK-SS engine bay with the triple Weber setup.

The body of McQueen’s XK-SS was an all aluminum monocoque, which featured an aerodynamically shaped underbody to reduce drag. Unlike the D-Types made famous at Le Mans, McQueens XK-SS did not come equipped with an asymmetrical fin behind the drivers seat.

McQueen's Jaguar XK-SS (D-Type chassis number 569) was originally purchased by building contractor James Peterson, who lived in Altadena, California. It was then sold to Bill Leyden, who often parked the Jaguar at his studio on Sunset Boulevard, where McQueen first saw the car. McQueen purchased the car from Leyden in 1958 for $5,000 and it would stay in his possession until 1967 when he sold it to car collector William F. Harrah.

However after a decade without the car, McQueen began a two-year negotiation with Harrah hoping to acquire the Jaguar once again. The deal worked in McQueen's favor and he would maintain possession of the XK-SS until his death in 1980.

In 1984 the XK-SS was sold at McQueen's estate auction to friend and former neighbor, Richard Freshman, for a reported $148,000. It was then sold to its current owner, the late Robert E. Petersen and his wife Margie in 2000.

One of the more impressive cars in McQueen's collection, the Jaguar XK-SS seems to fit quite well with the 'Bullitt' Mustang and 1963 Ferrari 250 GT Lusso we featured earlier this week. Be sure and stay tuned for part four!

THE CARS OF MCQUEEN [PART 2] // 1968 'BULLITT' MUSTANG

For part two of 'The Cars of McQueen', we decided to look at the Ford Mustang fastback that Steve McQueen drove in the 1968 film Bullitt.

A car that in many ways represents all that we love about automobiles, follow the link for a bit more info on Steve McQueen's 'Bullitt' Mustang and a look at the chase scene that made the car so famous... [read more]

Two 1968 Ford Mustangs were used for the filming of Bullitt's infamous chase scene, both of which were owned by the Ford Motor Company and were on loan to Warner Bros. The cars suspension, brakes and engines were heavily modified by veteran race car driver Max Balchowsky, which allowed the Mustangs to perform on the hills of San Francisco. Additionally, two Ford Galaxies had been on loan from Ford, however the producers found the cars to be too heavy to perform as needed, and opted for a pair 1968 Dodge Charger's which the studio purchased from Glendale Dodge in Glendale, California.

Though it is believed Steve McQueen performed much of the stunt driving for Bullitt's chase scene, the films stunt coordinator, Carey Loftin, had actually hired famed stuntman and motorcycle racer Bud Ekins, to perform the majority of dangerous stunts in the Mustang.



Featured above is the infamous chase scene through the streets of San Francisco...

Having become an accomplished race car driver, competing in the 12 Hours of Sebring as well as the 24 Hours of Le Mans, Steve McQueen brought his love of motor sport to the silver screen. The cars he drove, both on and off the screen, helped define not only who he was, but the lasting impression he would leave on us all.

Steve McQueen's 1968 Ford Mustang, all muscle, no bullshit. Just the way we like it!

Stay tuned for part three of 'The Cars of McQueen'

Editorial: Justin Coffey

THE CARS OF MCQUEEN [PART 1] // 1963 FERRARI 250 GT LUSSO

According to our sources, Brad Pitt is set to play Steve McQueen in a forthcoming film that will chronicle the actor turned race car drivers life. This, in addition to news of an Ayrton Senna biopic, has left many of us here at CTD eagerly awaiting a Summer filled with drive-in’s, late nights and a few (long) overdue motorsport films. So, in keeping with news of ‘The King of Cools’ return to the silver screen, we decided to do a bit of research into the cars that in some ways defined who and what Steve McQueen was... [read more]

Now the obvious choice would be a 1968 Ford Mustang with a 390ci V8 and a four-speed, clad in dark green with a grill absent of any badging, but that will have to wait. The first car, in my opinion, that truly defines the depth of McQueen’s character, is his 1963 Ferrari 250GT Lusso.

The last of Ferrari’s 250 series, the Lusso (Italian for Luxurious) was designed by Pininfarina to be a grand touring car, providing its owner with ample power and performance, while in now way compromising in terms of comfort and control.

Beneath its aluminum skin the Lusso came equipped with a set of Borrani racing wheels, disc brakes, a suspension setup taken from Ferrari’s 250 GTO, and a 250bhp 3.0-Liter V12 fed by three dual Weber carbureators, all in a package that weighed no mor ethen 2,200-lbs.

But beyond its motoring appeal, its gorgeous lines and stunning sound, McQueen's 1963 Lusso represented one thing, style. A car that defined the man? Maybe. Or maybe the man defined the car... Stay tuned for part two!

Editorial: Justin Coffey

THE COFFEY TABLE // STEVE MCQUEEN: A LIFE IN PICTURES

An icon amongst motorsport fans and an inspiration to us here at ColdTrackDays, Steve McQueen: A Life in Pictures ($27) celebrates the legacy of the ‘King of Cool,’ with photographs spanning both his racing and acting career. A must have for anyone addicted to the go-fast lifestyle, click here to get your copy // [comment]

THE DUEL // MCQUEEN VS. HAMILTON IN TAG HEUER PROMO FILM

TAG Heuer has just released a teaser to The Duel, a soon to be released short film starring current F1 World Champion, Lewis Hamilton, and the 'King of Cool' himself, Steve McQueen.

Set at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, The Duel is a hypothetical race to the finish with Hamilton piloting his McLaren MP4/23 and McQueen at the wheel of his 917K Porsche. We are a bit unsure what exactly TAG Heuer is trying to sell, but are certainly looking forward to the finished product // [comment]

GEAR // J.CREW SPRING-SUMMER INSPIRED BY MCQUEEN

A friend of mine mentioned that J.Crew’s Spring-Summer collection was inspired by ‘the great American road trip’ and that their catalog featured a ‘68 Mustang fastback and referenced Steve McQueen a few times. Being a fan of both McQueen and the Mustang that he drove, I stopped by the downtown J.Crew store and picked up a copy of their latest catalog. Certainly a bit of gear that McQueen himself would've approved, click here for a look at their S/S ‘09 collection // [comment]

TAG HEUER MONACO // 1969 ORIGINAL RE-EDITION CHRONOGRAPH

Celebrating 40 years, TAG Heuer will release the ‘TAG Heuer Monaco 1969 Original Re-Edition Chronograph’ later this month. Featuring a squared stainless steel case, self-winding Calibre 11 movement, blue dial, red chronograph hand, and an exclusive back signed by Jack Heuer and engraved in honor of Steve McQueen, the NOS Monaco will be limited to 1,000 pieces. Click here for additional information // 02.28.2009

EYE CANDY // IN HIS ELEMENT - THE KING OF COOL

We offer a bit of Eye Candy as our way of sayin sorry for not posting last night... And hey, it was a good excuse to post a shot of Steve McQueen doing what he did best // 02.26.2009

LIFE'S ARCHIVED PHOTOS // MCQUEEN INCLUDED

LIFE Magazine has just finished archiving their complete photo collection onto Google Images. Amongst their 100 plus years of photographic content, were a couple of shots of the ‘King of Cool’ himself, Steve McQueen. Standing next to his 1968 Jaguar XK-SS, a car very similar to the D-Type Jaguar that dominated the 24 Hours of Le Mans, McQueen certainly looks as cool as we’d expect him to. For more of LIFE’s photos, click here // 12.06.2008

THE UNFORGETTABLE // 'KING OF COOL'

28 years since his passing, and finally an appropriate photographic montage surfaces. Titled ‘Unforgettable Steve McQueen,’ the book showcases McQueen’s well known Hollywood career, as well as his passion for automotive and motorcycle racing. With photos from Sid Avery, William Claxton, Raymond Depardon, Larry Kastendiek, and others, as well as a foreword by Brad Pitt, were thinking this would the perfect Xmas gift for the ColdTrackDays reader in your house... just a thought // 10.18.2008