Steve McQueen, also known as “The King of Style,” was a fan of trendy cars, beyond his prowess as an actor. Among his extensive repertoire of over a hundred vehicles, fifteen stand out as exemplars of his discerning taste and automotive passion. Join us as we explore his favorite machines.

Austin Healey “Sebring Sprite”

The Austin Healey “Sebring Sprite” was a specialized variant of the Austin Healey Sprite. Named after the famous Sebring International Raceway in Florida, the model featured a lightweight body, often utilizing fiberglass for enhanced performance. Its engine, typically a modified 1,275 cc or 948 cc inline-four, was tuned for racing. Enhancements included disc brakes, improved suspension, and other performance modifications to meet the rigors of endurance racing.

Bronze Ferrari 250 Lusso

Despite its beauty, only about 350 units of the 250 Lusso were made, making it a rare and coveted model. The car was produced between 1962 and 1964 and is celebrated for its blend of high performance and elegant design. It has a 3.0-liter V12 engine, producing around 240 horsepower, enabling a top speed of approximately 150 mph. 

Shelby Cobra 289

Produced from 1962 to 1965, the Shelby Cobra 289 featured a 4.7-liter V8 engine sourced from Ford and produced around 271 horsepower. This engine merged with a four-speed manual transmission, delivering impressive acceleration and top speeds for its time. The Cobra’s lightweight body, constructed from aluminum, contributed to its remarkable power-to-weight ratio and enhanced its agility and handling.

Baja Boot

Racing enthusiast and engineer Vic Hickey designed the Beja Boot, particularly the Baja 1000, for the rigorous demands of desert racing. It was powered by a robust Chevrolet V8 engine and had a tubular steel frame and independent suspension system designed to handle rough terrains. Innovatively designed, it included a low center of gravity, large, rugged tires, and a high ground clearance to traverse obstacles.

1968 Porsche 908 Spyder

The Porsche 908 Spyder, a sports prototype race car, was equipped with a 3.0-liter flat-eight engine producing around 350 horsepower. Its chassis was designed with an aluminum space frame and focused on aerodynamics and weight reduction. Throughout its production years, the Spyder showcased advancements such as fiberglass body panels, improved suspension systems, and more efficient cooling mechanisms.

1951 Hudson Hornet

Hudson released the car in 1951. It had a “step-down” design: the floor pan was recessed between the frame rails, giving the car a lower center of gravity and improving handling. The Hornet’s heart was a capable 5.0 L inline-six engine, among the largest six-cylinder engines of its time. This engine was equipped with twin carburetors and produced 145 horsepower.

1956 Jaguar XKSS

Only 16 units of the 1956 Jaguar  XKSS were made before a factory fire halted further production. An urban-area version of the Jaguar D-Type racing car, the XKSS is powered by a 3.4-liter inline-six engine, delivering 262 horsepower and featuring a four-speed manual transmission. Sprinting to 60 mph in about 5 seconds, it was a ground-breaking news feat for its era.

1957 Chevrolet Bel Air Convertible

This model was part of the second generation of the Chevrolet Bel Air series from 1955 to 1957. It had several engine options, including the popular 283 cubic inch V8, which offered up to 283 horsepower when equipped with the fuel injection system. The Bel Air also had a three-speed manual transmission in basic trims, with the option of a Powerglide automatic transmission. 

1958 Porsche 1600 Super Speedster

A product of Porsche’s famous 356 series, the 1958 Porsche 1600 Super Speedster had a lightweight construction. With a four-speed manual transmission, drum brakes, and a suspension system, the car provided a balanced and responsive driving experience. The interior was equally spartan, with bucket seats, a basic dashboard, and minimal trim, all contributing to the car’s reduced weight and modernized result.

1959 Lotus XI

The car’s body, designed by aerodynamicist Frank Costin, was constructed using aluminum panels over a space frame chassis, resulting in a low weight of around 1,000 pounds. Various engine options powered the Lotus XI, primarily the Coventry Climax engines, ranging from 1.1 to 1.5 liters. These small but potent powerhouses accelerated the car, making it a formidable contender in various races.

1961 Cooper T-56 Mark II

Released in the heyday of Formula One racing, this iconic vehicle features a lightweight tubular spaceframe chassis, providing exceptional agility and maneuverability. A potent Coventry Climax 1.5-liter inline-four engine powered the car, and the rear-engine layout enhanced traction and balance during high-speed cornering. Equipped with a robust suspension system comprising independent wishbones at the front and rear, the Mark II offers precise handling and stability.

1963 Ferrari 250 GT Berlinetta Lusso

Underneath the Lusso’s bonnet lies a 240-horsepower, 3.0-liter V12 engine paired with a four-speed manual gearbox. The car was the final iteration of the 250 GT series, which marked the end of an era. Its chassis, designated Tipo 539/61, featured independent front suspension with unequal-length A-arms, coil springs, and hydraulic shock absorbers. At the same time, the rear utilized a live axle with semi-elliptical leaf springs.

1968 Ford Mustang Gt-390

Combined with a four-speed manual or a three-speed automatic transmission, this Ford’s engine balanced a more hands-on driving experience with a comfortable cruise. A sturdy 6.4-liter V8 engine that delivers 325 horsepower at 4,800 RPM and 427 lb-ft of torque at 3,200 RPM drives the 1968 Ford Mustang Gt-390. The GT-390 is distinguishable by its sporty GT badges, styled steel wheels, and optional racing stripes.

1969 Porsche 911S

Porsche, a famous name in the automotive industry, released the 911S in 1969, introducing several key improvements. One such upgrade was the 2.0-liter flat-six engine with mechanical fuel injection, which contributed to its higher power output. For better handling dynamics, the Porsche also included improved suspension components, such as anti-roll bars and Koni shock absorbers. The five-speed manual transmission allowed drivers to exploit the engine’s capabilities fully.

1972 Mercedes-Benz 300SEL 6.3

Beyond its formidable look, the 300SEL 6.3 offers many luxurious features, including air suspension, power windows, and a plush interior. This iconic sedan exemplifies German craftsmanship and innovation. It houses a 6.3-liter V8 engine with a robust 250 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque, moving the car to 60 mph in just 6.5 seconds.