20 Vintage Photos of Steve McQueen That Define Old-School Cool

History TV and Movies April 4, 2025

Steve McQueen is widely known as the epitome of effortless cool. When McQueen broke onto the scene, he took the world by storm with his rugged charm and unapologetic, rebellious edge. He quickly became a Hollywood legend that is still missed by so many to this day. We’ll take a look at a collection of exceptional vintage photos that capture that unmistakable Steve McQueen cool.

1. The King of Cool, Steve McQueen, and his famed Ferrari, 1960s

A man stands by an open car door of a vintage Ferrari on a racetrack. The car is sleek and polished, with a scenic backdrop of trees and track barriers. The scene captures a classic, stylish moment.
mikeynapoli

The style alone is radiating pure cool.

2. Steve McQueen looking extra tough out in Paramount Studios Gym, in May 1963

A shirtless man in sweatpants exercises with dumbbells, performing side lateral raises in a rustic gym. The room has wooden walls and ceiling, a stationary bike, and gym equipment in the background.
dannyduth1

Can’t skip shoulders day.

3. Steve McQueen taking a break during the filming of “LeMans”

A person in a racing suit sits on the side of a blue Gulf-Porsche race car, reading a newspaper. The car door is open, displaying racing numbers and sponsor logos. A classic car is visible in the background on the track.
oldcarworshipper

Steve was all about taking those sacred pauses throughout the busy work days.

4. Steve McQueen riding around with James Coburn and James Garner on the set of The Great Escape, 1963

Three men and a child on a vintage motorcycle with a sidecar. One man is shirtless, riding the motorcycle; two others are standing nearby. A child wearing sunglasses sits in the sidecar. Background shows people and a forest.
eaglehaslanded

I mean, does it get any cooler than this?

5. Steve McQueen in New York City in 1960

A man and a woman drive a vintage convertible through a busy city street filled with taxis and classic cars. The cityscape features tall buildings and bustling traffic. The scene suggests a vibrant urban setting in a past era.
j34343

Now that’s how you get around New York City.

6. Steve McQueen, in his kitchen making coffee, 1963

Black and white photo of a shirtless man standing in a kitchen, holding a spoon over a bowl on a counter. He wears light-colored pants and looks intently ahead. The background includes shelves and a wall-mounted phone.
deleted

I didn’t realize it was possible to make a cup of coffee look cool, yet here we are.

7. Steve McQueen with his tailor, Hollywood, 1963

A man in a white shirt smokes a cigarette while another man helps him put on a jacket in a clothing store. The store has suits hanging on racks and other people in the background.
abt137

You know that Steve probably took great care of his tailors.

8. Steve McQueen driving a Jaguar XKSS, 1956

A person wearing sunglasses sits in a vintage green convertible sports car parked on a street. The car has a sleek design and chrome wheels. The background features buildings with various colored walls and numbers on doors.
j343344

I love the green here.

9. Steve McQueen on the set of “The Getaway” in 1972

A shirtless man sits on a chair outdoors, smiling and holding a can. He has short hair and is wearing jeans with a belt. The background is blurred, showing some equipment and people.
hwkd65

Sometimes, Steve just had to crack a cold one.

10. Steve McQueen riding through the streets of London, 1964

Man riding a vintage motorcycle on a city street, wearing a white t-shirt and jeans. Brick building and trees are visible in the background.
speakeasy11387

Riding through those quiet London streets must’ve been a magical experience as Steve McQueen.

11. Charles Bronson, Steve McQueen and James Coburn. So much old-school cool in one place, 1963

Three men in casual clothing sit on motorcycles in a vintage, black-and-white photo. They appear to be on a film set with wire fencing and wooden buildings in the background. Trees and sky are visible behind them.
learnedtimes892

Oh, the conversations these lads must’ve had with one another.

12. Steve McQueen after completing a 500-mile race in the Mojave Desert. Circa 1960s

Two men relax in the bed of a pickup truck. One man is shirtless, lying down with his legs up, smoking a cigarette. The other man is seated, leaning in to talk. Beer bottles and boxes are scattered around. A parked truck is visible in the background.
breezybutterly24t6

Yes, of course, he pulled off a 500-mile race. Why not?

13. A priceless reaction from Hollywood legend Steve McQueen as he meets Jayne Mansfield in the early 1960s

A black and white photo of a man and a woman standing together outdoors. The man is wearing a short-sleeved shirt and pants, holding glasses and looking away. The woman is in a sleeveless dress, smiling at the camera. People are in the background.
feedsdajackal

At the same time, he very well could’ve been excited about a nearby classic car.

14. Steve McQueen and Jacqueline Bisset on the set of Bullitt (1968)

A man and a woman sit close to each other on director's chairs outdoors. The man is wearing a dark sweater and a watch, while the woman, in a light coat, is seated with a coat draped over the back of her chair. They appear engaged in conversation.
jumpysignature5588

Talk about a truly tender moment between stars.

15. Just a regular ole beachcomber: Steve McQueen 1960s/1970s

A man in flip-flops and sunglasses squats in a store, browsing magazines. He holds a magazine titled "Real Estate." The store shelves are filled with various magazines, and a rack of postcards is visible in the background.
hwdk65

Steve McQueen almost giving off a James Bond vibe here.

16. Steve McQueen and his dog Mike (ca. 1964)

A shirtless man sits on a stone bench in a garden, smiling while hugging a large, content-looking dog. The background features trees, a fence, and utility poles. The scene is in black and white.
bebopman

This dog looks like a good boy indeed.

17. Steve McQueen out there doing his thing during “The Great Escape”

A person sits on a vintage motorcycle in a grassy field. They're wearing a sweater and boots, with mountains and houses visible in the background under a clear sky.
es185

Looks like an especially beautiful day to take the bike out.

18. Steve McQueen knew how to relax on set back in the day (1963)

A shirtless man in jeans and boots reclines in the bed of a pickup truck, resting with his hands behind his head. An open bottle is nearby, and there are boxes and a helmet around him. The scene suggests a casual, relaxed moment.
nsissme

A properly earned snooze right there.

19. Steve knew how to pop out for a joy ride around town

Three people ride a motorcycle at a race track. The shirtless driver wears sunglasses, while two passengers, a man and a woman, sit behind him. Racing cars are in the background.
twilightrepublic

If that isn’t a look of pure bliss I don’t know what is.

20. Steve McQueen with his dog Mike, California, 1963

A man in a cowboy hat sits on a rocky ledge with a camera, next to a dog. They overlook a vast mountainous landscape with scattered trees. The scene is captured in black and white.
deleted

Loving the cowboy hat to complete the look here.

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