It’s not everyday that a famous actor or actress’s vehicle comes up for sale, but when they do, they typically bring plenty of money just for the fact that a celebrity once owned it. But early next month, we could see one of the biggest film stars’ cars to ever go up for sale cross the auction block at the famed California Auctions America event and sell for over $100K. Who’s car are we talking about? Well, none other than Mr. Steve McQueen’s. Check out his awesome El Camino below.
Famous for his anti-hero persona on and off the screen, McQueen can be seen in movies like The Great Escape and Bullitt, both of which featured famous stunt driving done by the actor. But aside from his box-office hits and stints as his own stunt driver in movies, McQueen also enjoyed the faster life of racing on his days off.
In fact, over the years he competed in the British Touring Car Championship, 12 Hours of Sebring, the 24 Hours of Le Mans, and many famous off-road competitions, like the Baja 1000, Elsinore Grand Prix and the Mint 400. Not surprisingly, McQueen actually thought about becoming a full-time race car driver and stocked his own garage with plenty of noteworthy machines, like a 1963 Ferrari 250 Lusso Berlinetta and a 1962 Cobra.
Among McQueen’s collection of cars was this 1970 El Camino SS 396, which McQueen had since it was new and maintained until his death in 1980. According to Auctions America, it is believed that McQueen was given the car by GM for promotional reasons.
Ordered new with the Z25 SS package, this amazing example of Chevrolet performance maintains a 396ci V8 under the hood, good for 350hp. This is still turned over today by the original gold keys that came with the car.
Pushing the engine’s power to the rear wheels is the original factory-optioned Muncie 4-speed transmission, while the cowl hood, SS wheels and Hugger Orange paint scheme with black stripes maintain a classic performance look for this unique Chevy.
Now with its fourth owner, the car has been fully restored to “better than new” condition, right down to the chrome bumpers and SS badges. Just 26,265 original miles show on the odometer inside the sleek black interior, making it not only one heck of a historic piece but also probably one of the lowest mile El Caminos out there.
With McQueen’s name still on the title, the El Camino will cross the stage at California’s Auctions America event on Saturday, August 2nd. It is estimated to bring in between $100,00 and $150,000.