Another Steve McQueen Motorcycle to be auctioned
Following the recent sale of his 1970 Husqvarna 400 Cross motorcycle at a Las Vegas auction in January, another of the iconic Hollywood actors’ motorcycle’s is to go under the hammer later this month in the UK.
The 1914 Indian Model F will join machines from three collections as part of a 240-strong offering of motorcycles at the Bonhams sale at the International Classic MotorCycle Show.
The early racing motorcycle once owned by actor Steve McQueen is an 1914 Indian Model F, estimated to realise between £22,000 and £28,000, is an example of a board-track racing motorcycle. These early purpose-built motorcycles lacked a clutch, throttle and brakes, and were push-started and run flat-out – often reaching speeds of up to 100mph – until the end of the race, when the rider would short the magneto to stall the engine.
Ben Walker, Head of the Bonhams Motorcycle Department, said: “The men who raced these early board-track motorcycles were not only pioneers and champions of early motor racing but must also have been incredibly brave. In this age of health and safety the idea of riding at up to 100mph with no helmet or protective clothing, knowing you have no way of stopping in a hurry, is a terrifying thought – but this is what they did.”
Restored by a marque specialist, the 4hp machine was purchased by its current owner at a Bonhams auction in Carmel, California, USA, in May 2010, and has since been housed in his private collection.
The Bonhams Spring Stafford Sale will offer a total of 242 motorcycles, with many coming from private collections. The sale will take place at the Staffordshire County Showground later this month.
Steve McQueen was known for a host of successful movie roles ranging from The Thomas Crown Affair, Towering Inferno (pictured), The Magnificent Seven and The Great Escape. McQueen died in 1980 aged 50 from cancer.
[Reported by Shaun Linden]