Steve McQueen’s 1968 Ford GT 40 used in the 1971, cult classic, “Le Mans”, has sold this past weekend at RM Auctions Monterey sale for a record breaking $11,000,000 !
The sale of the screen used car was the highest amount for which an American car has ever sold at auction. There was so much interest in the car that RM did not have any auction estimate listed before the sale.
This recent auction sale of an original screen used movie prop (the car), further supports the popularity of Hollywood memorabilia in classic films. Especially when it comes to the case of Steve McQueen and “Le Mans”.
Let’s take a looks at past sales of original props and costumes from, “Le Mans:
Icons of Hollywood held December 16th, 2011:
Lot # 899: Steve McQueen “Michael Delaney” original Gulf driving suit from “Le Mans”. Estimated: $200,000.00 – $300,000.00 USD. Sold for $800,000 (+ ($184,000.00 buyer’s premium + taxes, fees, etc).
Lot #901: Le Mans massive publicity and reference archive from collection of the unit publicist Vincent Tubbs . Est: $2,000-$3,000. Sold for $40,000(+ ($9,200.00 buyer’s premium + taxes, fees, etc).
RM Auctions, August 19th, 2011:
Steve McQueen slate grey 1970 Porsche 911S driven by Steve McQueen and the crew of the 1970 film, “Le Mans”: Est: $950,000- $1,350,000. Sold for $1,350,000.
Icons of Hollywood #49 held July 31st, 2012.
Lot # 663: Steve McQueen hero “Michael Delaney” Heuer Monaco Wrist-watch screen-worn in “Le Mans”: Est: $200,000.00 – $300,000.00 USD. Sold for $650,000 (+ (149,500.00) buyer’s premium + taxes, fees, etc).
Lot # 667: Steve McQueen signed U.S. passport used during the filming of “Le Mans”: Est: $15,000.00 – $20,000.00 USD. Sold for $37,500 (+ (8,625.00 buyer’s premium + taxes. fees, etc).
