Steve McQueen and the 24 Hours of Le Mans: an authentic heritage
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Steve McQueen and the 24 Hours of Le Mans: an authentic heritage

Steve McQueen nurtured a passion for the 24 Hours of Le Mans, and will forever be one of the race’s most well-known faces, thanks to his film Le Mans. The Automobile Club de l’Ouest and Renaissance Licensing agency joined forces in 2021 to produce a lifestyle collection featuring the US actor and producer.

As we approach the 55th anniversary of the film’s release, Chase and Madison McQueen share their memories of their grandfather, his unique bond with the 24 Hours of Le Mans, and the lasting mark he made on motorsport culture.

What does Steve McQueen’s legacy in the world of motorsport and the 24 Hours of Le Mans mean to you and the family?

Chase and Madison: "Our grandfather’s legacy in motorsport, especially with Le Mans, is something we hold incredibly close. Growing up, our father shared stories of what this race meant to him and how he wasn’t just acting, but striving to capture the true essence of Le Mans.
To us, it’s more than history; it’s inspiration. He showed what it means to chase a dream with everything you’ve got and risk it all for something he believed in. Le Mans was the ultimate stage for that passion. We’re so proud to see his name still light up the faces of race fans and drivers alike — a legacy of grit, heart, and authenticity that continues to inspire."

How does the collaboration between the McQueen family and the ACO, in celebration of the 55th anniversary of Le Mans, honor his memory and passion for motorsport?

"Collaborating with the ACO on the 55th anniversary of Le Mans feels like a dream come true — it’s like we’re bringing our grandfather’s spirit back to the track he cherished most, a place where our family’s deep love for racing took root. 
This partnership goes beyond celebrating a film; it’s about honoring the race that defined him. The ACO understands what Le Mans meant to him — the endurance, the intensity, the raw passion — and they’re helping us share that with the world. For us, it’s a bridge between his past and today’s fans, showing why Steve McQueen and the 24 Hours of Le Mans will always be inseparable."

Chase and Madison McQueen, Steve's grandchildren.
Chase and Madison McQueen, Steve's grandchildren.

 

How do you feel about the lasting impact that the film Le Mans continues to have on fans and the motorsport community today?

"It’s truly incredible to see the impact Le Mans still has after all these years. Here we are, 55 years later, talking about how this film touched generations of racing fans. Our grandfather poured his heart into it, and you can feel that in every frame. It’s a timeless piece that captures the soul of real motorsport — what racing felt like when drivers were risking it all. 
For the community, it’s a benchmark of authenticity that still inspires racers and filmmakers alike. We’re so proud that his vision continues to resonate, proving his love for the sport was universal and timeless."

What do you believe is the special connection between Steve McQueen, the film Le Mans, and the 24 Hours of Le Mans, especially as we approach the 55th anniversary?

"The connection between our grandfather, the film Le Mans, and the 24 Hours of Le Mans feels electric — they’re intertwined in a way that’s hard to put into words. He didn’t just make a movie; he captured the very soul of the race. He became obsessed with Le Mans because it demanded everything he valued. The film brought that to life with real cars, real danger, and raw emotion. 
As we approach the 55th anniversary, that bond feels even stronger — it’s a moment to celebrate how he brought the race to the silver screen for millions to enjoy. It’s a story that still resonates, offering the perfect foundation to bring fans closer to that magic, whether they’re at the track or reliving the film."

What do you hope the upcoming collection, built around Steve McQueen’s legacy and the 24 Hours of Le Mans, will convey to fans and collectors?

"Our grandfather was all about authenticity — he had no time for anything fake. So, we hope this collection feels like him. Every piece should tell a story, making fans and collectors feel like they’re part of his world We want it to reflect his love for racing and the raw passion of Le Mans, creating something that’s not just cool but true to who he was. That’s what he’d want."

>>> The Steve McQueen Collection <<<

 

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