Photo-Matched Steve McQueen ‘Le Mans’ Gulf Racing Suit Heads to Heritage Auctions
One of Steve McQueen’s most recognizable movie costumes is heading to auction, with Heritage Auctions offering a Gulf racing suit worn by the actor as Michael Delaney in Le Mans. Heritage describes the two-piece Hinchman Indianapolis suit as the first and only conclusively photo-matched Steve McQueen Gulf racing suit from the film ever to reach public auction, with bidding opening at $200,000.
The cream-colored racing suit consists of a long-sleeved Nomex jacket and matching pants. The jacket carries the orange and blue Gulf racing stripes down the front along with a Gulf sponsor patch, a Heuer Chronograph patch, Firestone branding and an embroidered “Michael Delaney” name. An American flag patch appears on the left arm, while the back is dominated by a large Gulf logo. The matching pants retain their original Hinchman Indianapolis maker’s label, and the lot also includes a two-piece set of fire-resistant long underwear bearing an Atlas Flame Beaters label.
What separates this example from other McQueen Le Mans suits is the photo-matching. Heritage says authentication specialists at SIA Photo Match conclusively matched the ensemble to still images of McQueen wearing it as Michael Delaney in the film. The lot is accompanied by a Letter of Authenticity and cover letter from SIA Photo Match. Heritage says the suit shows age and wear consistent with screen-used wardrobe, including fading, sweat and spot staining, thread pulls, pilling and wear to the Nomex material.
The suit also has a documented history extending back to the film’s original release. After principal photography on Le Mans was completed, Heritage says the costume remained with Solar Productions before being donated to German magazine Bravo as the prize in a 1971 Le Mans-themed contest. Participants had to correctly answer five questions about the movie, and the eventual winner received the suit from Siegfried Rauch, who played Ferrari driver Erich Stahler, Michael Delaney’s on-screen rival.
Le Mans was filmed on location in France and incorporated real footage from the 1970 24 Hours of Le Mans race. McQueen starred as fictional racing driver Michael Delaney, while professional racers including Jo Siffert, Derek Bell and Vic Elford participated in the production. Heritage describes the film as one of the defining examples of McQueen’s screen presence and a movie that sits directly at the intersection of motorsports and Hollywood memorabilia.
McQueen racing memorabilia has already demonstrated just how high collectors are willing to go for material connected to Le Mans. Heritage points to another known Michael Delaney Gulf racing suit that sold through Profiles in History in December 2011 for $960,000. Unlike the suit now being offered by Heritage, that example did not come with photo-matching documentation. That earlier result puts the $200,000 starting bid on the newly offered suit into perspective.
The Steve McQueen “Michael Delaney” Gulf racing suit will be offered as Lot 38475 in Heritage Auctions’ November 30 through December 3 Hollywood/Entertainment Signature Auction.