**Hollywood Icon Steve McQueen’s Favorite Car Is Now On Sale**
By Dwaipayan Roy | Sep 21, 2025, 11:29 AM
Hollywood legend Steve McQueen’s cherished car, a 1952 Hudson Wasp Brougham coupe, is set to go under the hammer. The late actor drove this classic vehicle regularly until his death in 1980. After spending years on display at The Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles, the iconic car will be auctioned off in early October. The sale will be handled by RM Sotheby’s.
### A Nostalgic Connection
While Steve McQueen is often remembered for driving his dark green V-8 Mustang, the Gulf orange and blue Porsche 917, or the Jaguar XKSS, he also had a particular fondness for 1950s Americana. Among his favorites was the Hudson Wasp Brougham coupe.
This model is a smaller cousin of the legendary NASCAR-winning Hudson Hornet. It boasts a powerful straight-six engine and the renowned “Twin H-Power” package, which includes dual intake manifolds and carburetors, giving it impressive performance for its time.
### McQueen’s Love for Hudson Cars
Steve McQueen’s car collection was diverse and impressive, featuring Ferraris, Porsche 911s, and several Hudson models. Besides the 1952 Wasp, he owned a 1953 Hudson Hornet and a 1950 Custom Commodore Six convertible.
The 1952 Wasp was his regular ride — so much so that he referred to it as his “Sunday-go-to-church car.” Despite some minor dents and paint crazing, the vehicle has been remarkably well-preserved, with the odometer reading 102,253 km.
### Auction Details and Historical Significance
Following McQueen’s death, the Hudson Wasp was sold at his estate sale in 1984. It has since remained a prized exhibit at The Petersen Automotive Museum for the last 19 years.
As a piece of Steve McQueen memorabilia, the car is expected to attract keen interest and fetch a mid-five-figure price at auction. This estimate is considerably more accessible than the $3.74 million paid for McQueen’s original Mustang from the movie *Bullitt* five years ago, which set record prices for Mustangs.
For car enthusiasts and fans of Hollywood history alike, this auction presents a rare opportunity to own a piece of automotive and cinematic legacy.
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