**Hollywood Icon Steve McQueen’s Favorite Car Is Now Up for Sale**
*By Dwaipayan Roy | Sep 21, 2025, 11:29 AM*
The classic car world is abuzz as the 1952 Hudson Wasp Brougham coupe, famously known as Hollywood legend Steve McQueen’s favorite car, is set to go under the hammer. The late actor drove this iconic vehicle until his death in 1980, and after spending years on display at The Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles, it will be auctioned off in early October. The sale is being managed by RM Sotheby’s.
### A Nostalgic Connection
While Steve McQueen is often remembered for his dark green V-8 Mustang, the legendary Porsche 917 in Gulf orange and blue, or the sleek Jaguar XKSS, he also held a special affection for 1950s Americana. Among his cherished vehicles, the Hudson Wasp stood out as a favorite.
This model, a smaller cousin to the NASCAR-winning Hudson Hornet, packs a punch with its straight-six engine and the unique “Twin H-Power” package featuring dual intake manifolds and carburetors. It perfectly exemplifies the blend of style and performance that appealed to McQueen.
### McQueen’s Automotive Variety
Steve McQueen was known for his diverse and impressive car collection, which included Ferraris, Porsche 911s, and multiple Hudson models like a 1953 Hornet and a 1950 Custom Commodore Six convertible. The 1952 Hudson Wasp was his regular ride, affectionately referred to as his “Sunday-go-to-church” car.
Despite some signs of age, including minor dents and paint crazing, the vehicle has been well-preserved and maintains an odometer reading of 102,253 km, adding to its authenticity and allure.
### Auction Details and Legacy
Following McQueen’s passing, the Hudson Wasp was sold at his estate sale in 1984. It later became part of The Petersen Automotive Museum’s collection, where it remained for 19 years.
As a rare piece of McQueen memorabilia, the car is expected to fetch a mid-five-figure price at auction. While this is a significant sum, it is considerably more reasonable compared to the original Mustang from *Bullitt*, which sold for a record-breaking $3.74 million five years ago.
For car enthusiasts and collectors alike, the 1952 Hudson Wasp Brougham coupe represents a unique opportunity to own an iconic piece of automotive and Hollywood history.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/auto/steve-mcqueen-s-favorite-car-to-be-auctioned/story
