He was arguably the one of the coolest individuals of his, or any other generation. Revered by men of all ages for his motoring exploits on two wheels and four, Steve McQueen was a legend long before his last day, which came all too soon. Over the years, various vehicles once belonging to McQueen have popped up at auctions across the globe. Few are as unique as his 1952 Chevy pickup fitted with a custom camper. And if you act quickly, it can be yours.
From the eBay auction: [Click the title link to access the auction page]
Steve McQueen’s fully documented 1952 Chevrolet Custom one ton Pick up truck.
McQueen mostly used the truck for cross-country camping trips. A partial view of it can be seen in the Santa Paula barn in a photo from Grady Ragsdale’s book “Steve McQueen: The Final Chapter.”
“Removable custom camper top built by Harold Van Hoosen, a sheet metal fabricator from Yreka, California. Van Hoosen built the camper (named “Dust Tite”) in October 1952. The camper, made of galvanized metal and aluminum, includes a double-sided bed, storage cabinets, drawers, shelves and heavy-duty diamond plated bumper and tow hitch.”
“This truck’s significance takes on greater historical importance as it was the last vehicle to transport McQueen from his Santa Paula home to the Ventura County Airport on Nov. 3, 1980. From there he would be whisked to El Paso, Texas, for his final cancer surgery in Juarez, Mexico.
Accompanying McQueen in the camper was the Reverend Billy Graham. According to Graham, McQueen peppered him with questions of the afterlife on this ‘last ride.’ When they arrived at the airport, Graham read a number of passages of Scripture and they prayed several times. After “Amen,” Graham instinctively handed over his Bible to McQueen, which became his proudest possession. He was clutching the Bible when he passed away a few days later. As Graham turned to leave, McQueen proclaimed, “I’ll see you in heaven!”
The truck was first sold as Lot 626 at the Steve McQueen Estate Auction November 24-25, 1984 at the Imperial Palace in Las Vegas, Nevada. It includes the original engine, body, frame and Forest Green paint. Other noteworthy features include a 6-cylinder engine, 4-speed transmission, 5-gallon gas tanks on running boards, a driver’s side spotlight, sun visor and two toolboxes. Also includes the original mattress and license plates.
Sold with the Original California Title in Steve McQueens name and the certificate of authenticity from The Steve McQueen Estate Sale in Las Vegas 1984.
With Mcqueen Motorcycles and automobiles selling into the millions of dollars this proves to be a worthwhile investment you can drive..
A portion of the auctions proceeds with be donated to The Boys Republic in Chino Hills California.. ( a school McQueen attended and supported throughout his life )