The worlds of cinema and speed are set to collide at a single, explosive event. On Thursday, November 6th, the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles will transform into the ultimate auction destination for Julien’s Auctions and Turner Classic Movies (TCM) “Movies & Motorcars.” This immersive, high-octane experience invites bidders, gearheads, collectors, and cinephiles to step into the winner's circle and acquire tangible pieces of Hollywood’s love affair with the automobile.

The allure of things that are fast, cool, and culturally magnetic has defined generations of cinema. From the tense, gritty realism of racing epics to the glamorous open-road freedom embodied by Hollywood’s biggest stars, the car and the motorcycle have served as the ultimate co-stars. For this spectacular moment celebrating that legacy, there is no more fitting venue than the world-renowned Petersen Automotive Museum—a sanctuary dedicated to the history, design, and innovation that drive the world.

The King of Cool and His Road Machines

Leading the thunder road of legendary artifacts is an extraordinary collection from Steve McQueen, whose rebellious persona remains inextricably linked to speed and style. The lots offer a direct reflection of the actor’s profound passion, both on and off-screen.

Among the treasures are two of McQueen's personal motorcycles. The 1926 Excelsior Super X Flat Tracker (estimated at $125,000–$150,000) is an intensely rare machine—a factory-built, alcohol-fueled racer that the Bullitt star personally rode on his Santa Paula ranch. Sold with documentation from the 1984 Steve McQueen Estate Auction, this highly collectible artifact is a direct link to the man who truly earned the moniker "The King of Cool."

Equally prized is his original blue Glenoit brand jacket, complete with Two Gulf Oil Team Sweden patches (estimated at $50,000–$70,000), worn during his definitive performance as “Michael Delaney” in the 1971 racing masterpiece Le Mans. The offering also includes a Solar Productions (McQueen’s own company) crew jacket and vintage posters, encapsulating the ambition of his greatest cinematic passion project.

Legends of the Screen and Track

The auction extends into the personal garages and film sets of numerous Hollywood icons:

Wilt Chamberlain’s “Searcher 1” Supercar

Making its first public auction appearance is NBA legend Wilt Chamberlain’s original, custom-built, one-off “Searcher 1” (estimated at $300,000–$500,000). Designed specifically to accommodate the 7’1” star, this unique machine—previously displayed at the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame—features a General Motors V8 engine, a BMW ZF 5-speed transmission, and a Le Mans-inspired chassis, embodying the colossal athlete’s personal pursuit of speed.

Jack Nicholson’s Neo-Noir Classic

The 1948 Chevrolet Fleetmaster Convertible (estimated at $40,000–$60,000) driven by Jack Nicholson in his role as “Jake Gittes” in The Two Jakes provides a neo-noir touch of class. Personally owned by Nicholson and featuring a distinctive green exterior and interior, this classic car was donated by the actor to the Petersen Automotive Museum.

Paul Newman’s Racer

A 1967 CZ 250 motorcycle, used by Paul Newman in the motor cross race scene from the Oscar-nominated film Sometimes a Great Notion, brings the spirit of one of Hollywood’s most dedicated racing enthusiasts to the block.

Modern Action Icons

High-octane machines from modern blockbusters include a screen-matched 2015 Suzuki GSX-S750 and replica ensemble from the Keanu Reeves hit, John Wick: Chapter 2 (estimated at $6,000–$8,000), and Ben Affleck’s 2003 BMW R 1150 Rockstar motorcycle from the thriller Paycheck (estimated at $6,000–$8,000).

Rare Automobilia and Cultural Icons

Beyond the star vehicles, the auction offers a sweeping collection of rare memorabilia:

The elegant 1976 Rolls Royce Silver Shadow personally owned by legendary restaurateur Madame Sylvia Wu (estimated at $20,000–$30,000), complete with her original "MMEWU" license plates.

Jack Lemmon’s 1969 Jaguar E-Type (estimated at $40,000–$60,000), a luxurious slice of Hollywood motoring history.

Elvis Presley's car keys to his 1971 Stutz Blackhawk.

An intriguing 1953 Chevrolet 3100 Series Popcorn Cotton Candy Truck (estimated at $40,000–$60,000), a completely renovated classic concession stand on wheels.

Limited edition prints of Steve McQueen as Bullitt by designer Michael Schwab, and original artwork from Oscar-winning filmmaker Michael Moore.

Hollywood and Car Culture Gives Back

A portion of the proceeds from select lots will benefit the Petersen Automotive Museum’s educational programs, connecting the excitement of automotive history and design to future generations.

The "Movies & Motorcars" event is poised to be a landmark occasion where cinema and motoring enthusiasts alike can immerse themselves in the confluence of culture, speed, and star power. Bidders, both live in Los Angeles and online, are advised to bring their wrenches and their bidder paddles for this unforgettable ride.