This Chevrolet-powered Baja buggy was built bu Vic Hickey and Drino Miller in1967 at the Hurst facility in Michigan. It campaigned numerous off road races with Steve McQueen at the wheel and won the 1969 Baja 500. It is one of two in the world, and was totally restored to its original Hurst specification from 1996-2000.
The big Goodyear balloon tires give the Boot a vintage look that would be equally at home on the Mars Rover. Something about steel wheels and hubcaps is much more appealing than the bead-lock alloys of today’s trophy trucks. The 4-wheel drive system on this truck also makes it a marvel of engineering.
Out back a 350 cubic inch V8 sits just ahead of the rear axle but is mounted to deliver power forward. A Dana trasfer case, twin-stick shifter, and Corvette rear end components let the car also be run in front-drive only if desired. Brakes are 11-inch Hurst Airheart discs at all corners.
The interior is fully restored to original with a Hurst H-pattern shifter and a clean dash design. The seats are Baja Buckets that the seller claims were designed and patented by McQueen.
Many period photos, videos, and memorabilia items are included with the sale. We suspect that the McQueen connection and winning history will mean this one requires a pretty penny, and it was offered at the bonhams sale at The Quail last year but remains available today. It wears a California license plate in the photos, but we are unsure it if is street legal. Either way, this thing is an amazing conversation piece and a stunning restoration.
GOD BLESS George Hurst!