Since being given a red tricycle by his grandfather as a young child, McQueen had harboured a fascination and love for machines and racing. He earned money in the early '50s by competing in motorcycle races, frequently going home with around $100 in winnings, and over the course of his career would amass an impressive collection of exotic vehicles. Because of this love, he would take any opportunity he could to do his own stunts and driving. In fact, one of the conditions on which he accepted his role in The Great Escape was that his part be expanded to show off his motorcycle skills. Almost all of the bike scenes were filmed with him doing the riding himself, at one point even appearing as one of the pursuing German soldiers as well. Although making an initial attempt to perform the famous motorcycle jump at the end of the film, friend and stunt rider Bud Ekins was called in to complete it due to insurance purposes. In Bullitt, McQueen took on a good portion of the 9-minute chase sequence, keeping his head deliberately close to the open window so that viewers would know it was really him. But following an incident in which he crashed his Mustang into a parked vehicle, his wife begged director Peter Yates to use a stunt man instead, leading to McQueen being furious upon reporting to work the next day only to find Bud Ekins once again taking his place.
