FOR many, Steve McQueen will always be the original ‘King of Cool’, a motorcycle and car racing actor, who captured the spirit is a generation of petrol heads.
To this day, McQueen remains one of motorcycling (and motorsport as a whole) most cherished heroes. That nostalgia is something that Bell is looking to tap into, as McQueen’s favoured motorcycle helmet and apparel brand launches the limited-edition Custom 500 Six Day McQueen and accompanying clothing line.
The first lid to arrive from the collaboration is the above-mentioned Custom 500 Six Day McQueen, a faithful replica of the helmet worn by McQueen during the 1964 International Six Day Trial off-road race. McQueen, most widely known as an actor, ride at the event alongside his good friend Bud Ekins, as they both became the first American’s to compete in the event.
Steve McQueen collection launched
The replica Custom 500 is finished in blue and white, with subtle red accents making it look just like the helmet McQueen wore during the competition. The racing stripe of the helmet is also marked with the word ‘Steve’, just as the original helmet was.
The limited-edition helmet is available now online in sizes S through to XL, and at Bell authorised retailers. Surprisingly, the lid comes at a not-very-limited edition price of £199.99. Along with the helmet, a limited run of apparel featuring imagery of McQueen will be available for a short time.
Chad McQueen, the son of Steve, said:
“My Dad loved riding motorcycles more than anything. Much of my childhood memories with my dad revolve around motorcycles. We loved going on two-wheeled adventures together and I’m thrilled to see this helmet come back to life considering my dad and I always wore bell helmets. Celebrating my dad’s passion for motorcycling and his role as an ambassador for off road-racing. My kids and I couldn’t be prouder of this partnership.”
