Visvim Virgil: the penny drops

 

You've probably all worked out why Hiroki Nakamura named his boots Virgils but I can sometimes be a bit slow on the uptake and therefore I've only just worked it out.

They are named after USAAF Captain Virgil Hilts, Steve McQueen's character in The Great Escape and they are a reinterpretation of the boots he wore in the film. These were standard issue for the US military in the 1940s and were constructed from a 'reverse cowhide,' which meant that the shiny bit was on the inside.

Japanese doll maker and replica specialist Toys McCoy has created a pair which are most likely even more of a faithful reproduction than the originals they are based on. Obviously trying to find a pair is going to end up a mission in itself. Easier to source are the Buzz Ricksons version, which also look the part.

But we all know the only pair of Virgils to have are Visvim's.

Oh, and if you know of any other reason Virgils are thus named, I'd love to hear it.

Visvim

Visvim

Visvim

Buzz Ricksons

Toys McCoy

Steve McQueen: a legend and his Persols

I understand that Persol will be re-releasing another line of the Steve McQueen Persol 714 sometime soon, which seemed like as good a reason as any to stick up one of my favourite classic images of him.

That and the fact that I have been bought a pair of 714s for my birthday. Which is in December.

Good things come to those who wait.

Steve McQueen Persol 714 sunglasses: Shades of glory

Steve McQueen probably picked up a pair of these sunglasses on a whim, something to keep the glare out as he was bombing around the California hills in one of his tasty cars.

If he was anything like the sort of bloke I imagine him to have been, he wouldn't have given a toss for the fact that almost half a century later they would have become the only eyewear he is associated with.

But then he did seem to be a creature of habit. There are plenty of pictures of him on Google, and most of them, if he happens to be wearing shades, have him wearing these Persols.

He liked them so much, it turns out, that he even had favourite colours, and he also liked to wear the bigger 649 version as well.

No doubt he was won over by their collapsible construction and the fact they were made out of one piece of acetate, cut at the hinge points. I know I am.

So intrinsically linked with him have they become that a pair of his original old Persols sold for $70,000 at auction in 2006, simply because they had been on his nose.

Now Persol are to re-release the style, in those favourite colourways of his, including this one with the blue lens. So we can all find out why he liked them so much.

Via Esquire

Jaguar XKSS: A rear end fit for a McQueen

I once saw an old picture of Steve McQueen at home sitting on one of his cars. All this time I thought that rolling flank belonged to his Porsche 550 Spyder and I have coveted one ever since.

But I think I have been mistaken, because I never realised McQueen owned a Jaguar XKSS. I realise that was the very rear-end he was perched upon. I should have guessed really, because this is one of the most beautiful cars ever produced, and if it had wheels and looked good, you can guarantee McQueen would have owned it.

His car is in the lineup above. Don't ask me which one it is.

When you look at the state of the British motor industry today it's hard to believe we could have come up with such a handsome machine.

Unfortunatey, because it was British, only 16 survive. They all made it to Pebble Beach in Florida for this reunion though.