Steve McQueen Gulf racing jacket worn during production and promotion of Le Mans....

Description

Steve McQueen Gulf racing jacket worn during production and promotion of Le Mans. (Solar Productions/Cinema Center Films, 1971) Steve McQueen's original "Simpson" brand Nomex fire resistant race jacket with blue lateral stripes down the arms embroidered "Gulf" patch on the left chest, "Steve McQueen" embroidered in cursive script on the right chest, with an embroidered American flag patch sewn on the left shoulder. The back features a large 11.5 in. diameter embroidered "Solar Racing" logo patch (McQueen's company that produced Le Mans). Right sleeve retains sewing indentations from previously threaded patch. Worn by McQueen in between scenes and on idle days during Le Mans' filming. In addition, this jacket is highly visible in promotional material for the film, including the image used for the original release German A1 theatrical poster, as executives feared public confusion if McQueen were to wear the screen jacket with the character name "Michael Delaney" on his chest. Gifted by McQueen to Solar Productions mechanical engineer, Ariel Vincenzio, who worked for McQueen from the 1960s to early 1970s. Comes with a letter of provenance from the family. In December 2011, Profiles in History sold McQueen's original hero screen-used Gulf driving suit from Le Mans for an astounding $960,000, and his hero screen-worn Heuer Monaco wristwatch from Le Mans sold for $799,500 in July 2012. Exhibiting age, production wear and handling. In very good condition.

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