Sotheby’s ‘Icons’ December auction highlights

If you’ve ever wanted to feel like Steve McQueen, this might just be your best chance short of escaping prison on a German motorbike.

The race suit McQueen wore in the film Le Mans, as well as a handful of iconic cars will feature in Sotheby’s aptly names ‘Icons’ auction in December.

The suit, which belonged to McQueen’s character and protagonist Michael Delaney, features some light staining and all the original stitching and patching consistent with its time on screen.

It also comes with the Bell helmet and the under-suit which McQueen used for filming.

The suit was given away to a prize winner for a promotion, though first prize was the Porsche 914 used for filming.

Sotheby’s says the suit should sell for somewhere between AUD$522,200 and $652,750, though no reserve is set.

But the auction will also facilitate the sale of a handful of cars usually found on the bedroom walls of young car fans. A 1996 Porsche 911 993 GT2, a 1989 Lamborghini Countach, and a Ferrari F40 are also set to sell.

The GT2 has travelled only 11,470km, though Sotheby’s notes the speedometer was removed for a short time to be repaired so a few kays might have found their way onto the speedo which was used as a temporary replacement. The car does however come with its original tool kit, air compressor, and jack.

Ferrari Performance Collection up for auction

The GT2 is estimated to sell for between $1,436,050 and $1,827,700.

Also white, the Countach should sell for less, with an estimate of only $261,100-$326,375 and no set reserve.

Having travelled 15,708km, the Countach is still relatively fresh for its age, with a minor accident in 2005 being the only blemish on its record.

Lastly, and perhaps most deserving of the ‘icon’ badge, is the F40. As one of the most recognisable cars to wear the Prancing Horse, a low-mileage F40 will collect big bucks. This sub 13,000km example is no different.

Sotheby’s is expecting it to fetch $1,566,600 to $1,827,700.