Mecum Set To Auction Off Steve Mcqueen's 'Last Ride' 1952 Chevrolet 3800 Series Pickup Truck With Custom Camper

July 17, 2013 by Chevrolet

Los Angeles, CA - July 16, 2013 - Mecum Auctions have announced they will be auctioning off the legendary late actor Steve McQueen's last known personal vehicle at the Mecum Celebrity Items Auction: Celebrating the Legendary History of Hollywood at the Barker Hangar in Santa Monica, CA July 26-27, 2013. While much is known of McQueen's antique motorcycle collection, he was also an avid collector of vintage cars and trucks. Throughout his lifetime, he owned more than 60 rare vehicles including this 1952 forest green Chevrolet 3800 series one-ton long-bed pickup truck. View a list of all lots to be auctioned live at www.Mecum.com. Silent auction now open: http://www.mecum.com/auctions/top_picks.cfm?AUCTION_ID=LA0713

McQueen mostly used the truck for cross-country camping trips. 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!'

Highly sought after by customizers, hot-rodders and old truck collectors, McQueen acquired this vehicle on Feb. 2, 1978, when he resided in Trancas Beach, north of Malibu, California, while residing with Barbara Minty McQueen.

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 and 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 a certificate of authenticity from The McQueen Children's Trust, three registration slips, and an ownership certificate from Kenneth Ziffren, McQueen's personal attorney.

Mecum's two-day celebrity items auction extravaganza will celebrate the legendary history of Hollywood focusing on vintage film, television, music and pop culture memorabilia, all with amazing celebrity history. In addition to cars and motorcycles, the inaugural auctionwill include more than 2,000 items ranging featuring a wide range of personal items and rare artifacts from John Lennon, Steve McQueen, Ringo Starr, Elvis Presley, John Wayne, Marilyn Monroe, Frank Sinatra, Jack Nicholson, Jimmy Stewart, Roy Rogers, Evel Knievel, Hunter S. Thompson, Timothy Leary, Gene Kelley, Errol Flynn, Burt Reynolds and much more!

To consign an item or to become a pre-registered bidder at the auction, visit www.mecum.com or call (262) 275-5050.