Steve McQueen wasn’t just a car collector—he was a racer, a gearhead, and a man who lived life at full throttle. While he died in 1980, his automotive legacy remains one of the most celebrated in Hollywood history.
Quick Answer
Steve McQueen’s car collection included legendary vehicles like the 1956 Jaguar XKSS “Green Rat,” the 1968 Ford Mustang GT “Bullitt,” the 1970 Porsche 917K from Le Mans, and multiple Ferraris. His collection was valued in the tens of millions, with his Bullitt Mustang selling for $3.74 million and his Ferrari 275 GTB/4 selling for $10.175 million.
The Hidden Sanctuary: Santa Paula Airport
McQueen’s collection wasn’t stored in a Beverly Hills showroom—it lived in a secret hangar at Santa Paula Airport, north of Los Angeles . In 1979, he purchased Hangar #112 and, in true McQueen fashion, didn’t just store his toys there—he moved in .
While his nearby ranch house was being renovated, he and his wife Barbara lived in the hangar, turning it into the ultimate enthusiast’s loft. His routine was simple: McQueen would throw open the massive hangar doors each morning, drag an old chair onto the tarmac, and drink his coffee while watching planes take off .
Barbara described the experience: “Living in the Santa Paula hangar was among the best times I ever had. We got up in the morning, pushed the button to open the hangar door, made coffee and enjoyed life. Steve flew every morning. He loved it—this was his church” .
The Iconic Cars of Steve McQueen’s Collection
1958 Porsche 356 A Speedster 1600 Super
Purchased fresh with his The Blob paycheck, this was McQueen’s entry into racing . He campaigned it in SCCA races, winning his class at Santa Barbara in 1959 . Ordered as a rare ‘Super’ model with triple-black finish and Rudge knock-off wheels, it was his first race car .
Today, the car is owned by his son, Chad McQueen, who preserves its originality and uses it for events .
1956 Jaguar XKSS “The Green Rat”
This was McQueen’s favorite daily driver—a Le Mans-winning D-Type racer barely civilized for public roads . McQueen nicknamed it “The Green Rat” and bought it for $5,000 in 1958 . He repainted it British Racing Green and customized the interior in black leather .
The “Green Rat” is now housed at the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles, valued at over $30 million .
1968 Ford Mustang GT Fastback “Bullitt”
The most recognizable movie car in history . McQueen was instrumental in its look, insisting on stripping it of all badging and chrome . While he didn’t own the car during filming, he grew so attached that he spent years trying to buy it .
Record Sale: The “Hero Car” sold at Mecum Auctions in January 2020 for $3.74 million , setting a record for the most expensive Mustang ever sold .
1963 Ferrari 250 GT/L Berlinetta Lusso
A birthday gift from his first wife, Neile Adams, this became his most cherished Ferrari . Finished in rare “Marrone” (metallic brown), it combined a race-bred 3.0-liter V12 with a luxurious interior .
Record Sale: It sold at Christie’s Monterey in August 2007 for $2.31 million .
1967 Ferrari 275 GTB/4 Berlinetta
McQueen acquired this car while filming Bullitt and repainted it Chianti Red, a deep maroon he felt better suited the car’s lines . He also salvaged parts from his crashed N.A.R.T. Spyder, including rare Borrani wire wheels .
Record Sale: It sold at RM Sotheby’s Monterey in August 2014 for $10.175 million .
1970 Porsche 917K
The “Hero Car” from the film Le Mans, wearing the iconic Gulf Oil livery . Chassis 917-022 was purchased new by McQueen’s production company and driven by his character, Michael Delaney .
Record Bids: Owned by Jerry Seinfeld, it headlined Mecum Kissimmee in January 2025 with a high bid of $25 million** but failed to meet the reserve . A different 917K (chassis 917-024) sold at Gooding & Company in 2017 for **$14.08 million .
1953 Siata 208S Spyder
McQueen’s “Little Ferrari”—a rare Italian jewel he discovered in 1956 and affectionately rebadged with Ferrari emblems . He once said: “In many ways, the Siata is a better car than even a Ferrari California Spider because of its superior balance, refinement, and agility” .
The Willow Springs Connection
McQueen’s hangar at Santa Paula was a strategic halfway point to Willow Springs International Raceway , known as “The Fastest Road in the West” . He was a regular there alongside fellow racing enthusiasts Paul Newman and James Dean .
The track is now undergoing a major renovation, recently acquired by Singer Vehicle Design and CrossHarbor Capital .
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to Steve McQueen’s car collection?
McQueen’s cars were sold after his death in 1980. Many have been sold at auction, with values reaching tens of millions due to his enduring “King of Cool” legacy.
Where is Steve McQueen’s Jaguar XKSS “Green Rat”?
The “Green Rat” is currently housed at the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles, valued at over $30 million.
Did Steve McQueen own the Bullitt Mustang?
McQueen did not own the car during filming, but he spent years trying to buy it after production. The car eventually sold for $3.74 million at auction.
What is Steve McQueen’s most valuable car?
His 1967 Ferrari 275 GTB/4 sold for $10.175 million, and his Porsche 917K has been valued at over $14 million. His Jaguar XKSS “Green Rat” is valued at over $30 million.
Where is Steve McQueen’s Porsche 917K?
The 1970 Porsche 917K is owned by comedian Jerry Seinfeld, who had it restored to its original movie specifications.
Conclusion
Steve McQueen’s car collection wasn’t just a collection—it was a reflection of the man himself. He didn’t treat cars as museum pieces; he drove them hard, raced them, and lived with them in his hangar home at Santa Paula Airport . From his humble beginnings with the Siata to his record-breaking Ferrari and the iconic Bullitt Mustang, McQueen’s automotive legacy is as enduring as his status as the “King of Cool” .