Hollywood has always had a relationship with speed, especially when some of the most iconic and popular stars have always had an affinity for great cars and bikes.
In "McQueen's Machines" by Matt Stone, we see the inside of a legendary icon of speed and the machines that he rode.
The description of the cars were detailed and accurate, something that regular gearheads would've expected from the Motor Trend author. His descriptions of the classic cars are technical as well as artistic.
Stone's description of the Ford Mustang GT Fastback used in Bullit, is enough for a car connoisseur to drool about the modifications to the Stock 390 engine. While Stone's own description of his drive in a replica down the same streets the famous chase happened is entertaining in itself.
The interesting aspect of the book is the film by film description of the famous movies that had a car or bike in it, giving the truth behind the stunts done in the films, and how McQueen had gotten around the studio's "no racing" clause that almost stopped him from racing for good.
Despite the articles about the cars that McQueen drove (including this author's favorite McQueen Machines, the 58 Porsche Speedster and the 57 Jaguar XK SS), the big points came when Stone reviewed McQueen's bikes. Despite his reputation as being a car man, McQueen was an avid bike racer and had even considered becoming a professional racer instead of becoming an actor. Stone covers the Indian Sport Scout, the Triumph Bonneville, and the others that McQueen owned in amazing life.
No matter what you ride, or what you race, all can agree that McQueen was the "King of Cool" and that his dedication to beautiful machines of speed still commands awe and respect even today.
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