Posted 23.10.2024
Chase McQueen to meet Legendary ‘onset’ Drivers from cult classic Le Mans film at live Q&A session
Live Q&A Session at Salon Privé at Blenheim Palace on the Renauld Stand, 28th August, 10.30am
“Racing is life. Anything before or after is just waiting”, Steve McQueen
During the making of Le Mans, McQueen wore a distinct and much-loved pair of sunglasses. Working closely with Steve McQueen’s family Renauld have faithfully reimagined a strictly limited edition collection of McQueen’s exact sunglasses with select pieces housing an authenticated piece of McQueen’s own Porsche 917 race number 20 encased in the Renauld Keepsake Marque.
Renauld, known as the Ultimate Driving Sunglasses, will be hosting a live Q&A session with McQueen’s grandson, Chase, and legendary drivers from the Le Mans Film to celebrate the launch. This is the first time that the Le Mans drivers have reunited since the making of the film in 1970 and the first time that Chase McQueen has met the crew in what we hope will prove to be a very poignant and historic encounter.
- In attendance:
Chase McQueen, McQueen Racing, Grandson of McQueen – will be wearing ‘The Car 20 by Renauld’ sunglasses (housing an authenticated piece of McQueen’s Porsche 917 race number 20 in the Renauld Keepsake Marque on the sunglasses temple). Chase will also be wearing Steve McQueen’s original racing Jacket from the film. - David ‘the Pipes’ Piper – who drove on the film and was a very successful privateer in the sports car world.
- Richard Attwood – drove on the film set along with many other drivers and was a very successful sports car driver who had many factory drives in his time. Richard will be sharing his expert 917 driving experience.
- Richard Bray – was the onset mechanic for two weeks during filming and will be bringing the first trophy to be won by a Porsche 917 plus the number and photo from the win.
- Peter Darley – Associated with Lotus and who strapped McQueen into his car during every race scene.
On display:
- Porsche 917 race number 2 which is now owned by the family Finburgh and was one of the cars used during the filming of Le Mans and that David Piper and Richard Attwood drove to victory in the Kyalami 9 Hour Endurance Race in SA+. The car has been voted the 2nd greatest racing car of all time by motoring journalists.
- A Ford Mustang which is an exact replica of the car that Steve McQueen drove in Bullitt, 1968.
This historic Q&A session will be hosted by Gareth Llewelyn, Renauld CEO, and will include questions on the cars used in the film, the film’s racing techniques and insider intel along with recollections of McQueen and memories shared.
“As Steve McQueen’s grandson, this project holds a special place in my heart. My grandfather’s legacy extends beyond his unforgettable presence on screen; his passion for motor racing was a driving force in his life. Being able to reimagine the iconic sunglasses he wore during the making of Le Mans® is not just a homage to his style, but a celebration of his love for racing and innovation. Working alongside my family and the great people at Renauld, we’ve poured our hearts into ensuring these sunglasses capture the essence of who he was both as an actor and as a racing driver. This limited edition is a tribute to his enduring spirit and the timeless cool that defined him.”
Chase McQueen
Renauld would like to give special thanks to:
- Chad, Chase and Madison McQueen for their time and generosity in sharing stories, intimate family photographs and personal belongings of Steve’s.
- David Bagley and the Salon Privé Team who have been instrumental in supporting this event.
- Mark Finburgh and the family Finburgh for the loan of the Porsche 917, Number 2
- Beaulieu (National Motor Museum Trust).
David Piper is a British former Formula One and sports car racing driver. He began his career in the mid-1950s by competing in sprints and hill climbs, before beginning circuit racing with a Lotus Eleven. He then moved up to a Lotus 16 which he used to compete in both formula One and Formula Two in 1959 and 1960. He participated in 3 Formula One World Championship Grand Prix. David ‘Pipes’ Piper was chosen to be one of the drivers in Le Mans and suffered a serious crash during filming.
Richard Atwood – 917 driver on the film Richard James David Attwood is a British motor racing driver from England. During his career he raced for the BRM, Lotus and Cooper Formula One teams. He later competed for Ford, Ferrari and Porsche in the world sportscar series. In 1970 he took Porsche’s first ever outright victory at Le Mans driving alongside Han Herman. He competed in 17 World Championship Grands Prix, achieved one podium and scored a total of 11 championship points.
Richard Bray – worked for John Wyer from 1968-72 (and Won Le Mans twice with the old GT 40). Richard did a lot of work preparing the John Wyer 917 in Stuttgart and worked on the lead car for 2 more years. After leaving the company, he was replaced by Jo Ramirez. Richard has very fond memories of his time at John Wyer, stating that “it was a very pleasant and professional team to work for”.
Mark Finburgh – with brother Aubrey, a classic car restorer, started collecting classic cars in the early 1960s. The family have been collecting ever since. The collection includes, amongst others; C and E type Jaguars, a 250 GT Ferrari, a Ford GT 4, a Gulf Porsche 917, and Ducati and Bimota motorbikes. Mark, now in his mid 80s last drove the 917 three years ago, undertook the Mille Miglia in the Ferrari 2 years ago, and took part in another rally in Italy in June (this year) in the AC ace Bristol.
20 by Renauld Sunglasses.
Steve McQueen’s personality rights, publicity rights, and trademarks containing his name are the property of Chadwick McQueen and Molly McQueen. Official merchandise licensed by Renaissance Licensing © 24 Hours Le Mans.
For more information on The Steve McQueen byRenauld collection and the launch event at Salon Privé please contact the below:
Nina Wagstaff | Public Relations | Telephone 07471507733 | Email: press@renauld.co.uk
