The famous American movie-star Steve McQueen became an icon to many at the height of his fame in the 1960s and 70s, and even today his memory continues to live on. In 2007, “The King of Cool” entered the list of the top 10 highest earning dead celebrities – a feat which has been achieved through music, adverts and memorabilia such as the McQueen Triumph shirt.
Having starred in a number of high profile films including The Magnificent Seven and The Thomas Crown Affair, in 1974 McQueen became the highest paid movie star in the world. His popularity meant that he was always in high demand and his passion for racing motorcycles and cars attracted the interest of millions of fans, film directors and companies offering sponsorship deals.
McQueen’s interest in racing began in the 1950s when he was competing in weekend motorcycle races in order to support himself while he was studying acting. With an obvious natural talent, he soon became an excellent rider and even went on to design and patent a bucket seat and transbrake for race cars.
Keen to incorporate his passion with his career, the avid motorcycle and racecar enthusiast normally insisted on performing his own movie stunts whenever he had the opportunity. He is well remembered for his chases in Bullitt and The Great Escape and even debated becoming a professional race car driver at one point.
By the time of his death in 1980, McQueen had collected over 100 classic motorcycles and several exotic sports cars which were said to be worth millions of dollars.
In order to celebrate what would have been the star’s 78th birthday back in 2008, Triumph Motorcycles released a special McQueen Triumph shirt so fans could commemorate his memory. The shirt is a re-creation of the one that McQueen used to wear whilst racing his beloved Triumph motorcycle during a cross country race in the Mojave Desert in 1963.
Complete with the Triumph logo on the front, “Steve McQueen Special Edition” printed on the back and his signature on the sleeve, the garment was produced for the millions of fans all over the world who have always wanted to be like the star. Despite being launched nearly four years ago, the McQueen Triumph shirt still continues to be an extremely popular item with fans from all over the world and can be purchased from Pure Triumph in a range of different sizes.
Pure-Triumph is the largest online distributor of Triumph clothing, accessories and apparel including Triumph motorcycle shirts, helmets, jeans, safety wear and women’s clothing.