In case you haven’t noticed our regular coverage of the late, great Le Mans star, we love a bit of Steve McQueen at Man of Many. Off the back of the official Steve McQueen denim shirt, Bell Helmets has unveiled their collaboration with the Steve McQueen Estate, creating a limited-edition “period correct replica of the helmet McQueen wore while competing in the 1964 International Six Day Trial off-road race.”
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Steve McQueen at Le Mans
“As the first name in helmets, it only makes sense that Bell collaborates with the McQueen Estate on bringing to life this stunning replica.” Bell’s limited-edition series of Custom 500 Six Day McQueen exclusive helmet is “a period correct replica of the helmet McQueen wore while competing in the 1964 International Six Day Trial off-road race.”
Taking inspiration from the man himself, the helmet takes elements from his number 278 Triumph TR6SC, a Barbour waxed-canvas jacket, and of course, McQueen’s Bell helmet. According to Bell, “it’s a style and look that is still emulated more than sixty years later.”
Packaged inside “a beautiful black leather helmet bag”, the Custom 500 Six Day McQueen helmet boasts a stunning blue and white paint scheme with subtle red accents, alongside a period-appropriate 510 visor and “a special 278 decal featuring Steve McQueen’s name and the 1964 ISDT details”, adding to the helmet’s “authenticity” and “historical significance.” Also included with the helmet is a unique keychain featuring McQueen’s name.
Ball Steve McQueen Limited Edition Helmets | Image: Bell Helmets
Taking the best features from the original Bell TX open-face helmet, which transformed auto and motorcycle racing and opened the way for further advancements in head protection like the Moto-3, the McQueen/ Bell Custom 500 collaboration is a true honour for the brand.
“Bell is excited to partner with the McQueen Estate on this iconic helmet,” said Simon Fisher, product manager at Bell. “This collaboration represents a golden era of motorcycling that both McQueen and Bell helped shape.”
Bell Helmets – one of the world’s oldest and most illustrious helmet producers – was founded by Roy Richter, the so-called “grandfather” of the modern helmet. Also involved in the collaboration is the son of Steve McQueen, Chad McQueen (what a name!). Reflecting on his father’s love for riding motorcycles, Chad recalled how his 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.”
Bell Steve McQueen Limited Edition Helmets | Image: Bell Helmets
Also echoing the legacy of Steve McQueen is his granddaughter, Molly McQueen (another great name). “So many iconic images tied to my grandfather’s legacy include motorcycles. This is a special opportunity to honour his memory through a hobby that is so deeply linked to who he was.”
This genuine reproduction helmet that bears the actor’s name is a must-have for enthusiasts, collectors, and McQueen lovers. The Custom 500 Six Day McQueen will cost USD$209.95 (AUD$303.25) in sizes XS through XXL and will be available online and via Bell-approved retailers. A limited supply of clothing with images of McQueen will also be sold alongside the helmet for a brief period of time. For those needing a crash course on Steve McQueen’s passion for riding motorcycles, definitely check out his headline role in the cult classic motorcycle documentary, On Any Sunday.
Bell Steve McQueen Limited Edition Helmets | Image: Bell Helmets
