Friends of Steve McQueen 2016 Car Show

The Friends of Steve McQueen 2016 held their “The Getaway” themed car and motorcycle charity benefit on Saturday, June 4 at the Boys Republic in Chino Hills, California. The 9th annual event, which is co-chaired by Chad McQueen and Ron Harris, is held in support of the Boys Republic and in memory of the late actor and racing driver.

What is becoming a late spring tradition, the Friends of Steve McQueen Car Show brings thousands of spectators to the Boys Republic campus, where 16-year-old Steve McQueen spent time as a student in 1946. McQueen never forgot his time there and he frequently visited the school, even after achieving fame as a Hollywood movie star. Chad and the McQueen family continue that involvement and are strong supporters of this event.

The car show brings together hundreds of cars and motorcycles displayed throughout the campus — from American muscle and classics to rare European sports and race cars. Since its start in 2008, the event has raised over $750,000 and has helped to attract corporate interest resulting in donations of skilled labor and building materials through the Lowe’s Heroes community improvement project valued at more than $100,000.

The Friends of Steve McQueen 2016 featured several notable entries. Automotive entries included Tony Raynor’s 1936 Singer Le Mans; Peter Giacobbi’s 1959 Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa “re-creation”; 1966 Porsche 906 from Symbolic Motors; Herb Wysard’s re-creation of the overall 1970 Le Mans-winning Porsche 917-023; along with several Ford Mustang “Bullitt” editions. Long time show supporter and artist, Nicolas Hunziker, creator of the official show paintings and posters, displayed his 1968 Porsche 911T Sports Purpose as well. Motorcycles included Serge Bueno’s 1951 Vincent Black Shadow 1000 and 1974 Triumph T140 Bonneville; 1958 MV Agusta Gran Sport owned by Brad Boyle; the ex-Steve McQueen, Von Dutch, 1929 Scott 596cc Super Squirrel, restored in the 1980s by Von Dutch.

The “911 BR” project car was also displayed during this year’s show. The fully restored, 1980, air-cooled 911, was developed and financed by supporters of the Boys Republic through a Kickstarter project. The core of the build was handled by Bisimoto Engineering. Support throughout the build was provided by the Boys Republic, the McQueen Family, McKenna Porsche, Brad Boyle Motorsports and The Dunkel Bros. The “911 BR” will be auctioned through Mecum this August in Monterey with all proceeds going to the Boys Republic.

This year included a couple of pre-show events to go along with the Commemorative Dinner on the evening of June 3rd and the Car Show on the 4th. On the weekend of May 14th and 15th, the Friends of Steve McQueen had their inaugural Steve McQueen Rally from Malibu to Santa Barbara. It consisted of 4 stages throughout the 2-day weekend, with the overnight stop over in Santa Barbara. On May 18th, a special screening of the documentary Steve McQueen: The Man and Le Mans was held at the local Harkins Theatre in Chino Hills, California. Chad McQueen had a Q&A with the audience after the screening and stayed long after to sign autographs, take pictures and talk to fans who attended.

All proceeds from the 2016 Friends of Steve McQueen Car and Motorcycle Show benefit the Boys Republic, 1907 Boys Republic Drive, Chino Hills, California. For more information, visit Friends of Steve McQueen.

Friends of Steve McQueen 2016 – Photo Gallery (click image for larger picture and description)