Bonhams will hold their Quail Motorcycle Gathering 2011 auction on May 14th at Quail Lodge in Carmel, California, headlined by what is understood to be the very motorcycle featured on the front cover of the August 1971 issue of Sports Illustrated being ridden by Steve McQueen.
The 1971 Husqvarna 400 was originally purchased from the Steve McQueen Estate Sale in 1984 at Harrah’s Auto Collection in Las Vegas. In addition to its title of former owner, authentic documentation and immortal association, the Swedish-made dirt bike – which son Chad McQueen reportedly said was his father’s favorite off-road brand – comes with a wooden trunk of accessories as owned by McQueen. Other McQueen ephemera will be offered at the sale including numerous racing trophies won by this legend of the silver screen.
Last year’s sale at Quail Lodge saw a rare 1910 Royal Pioneer Single sell for $92,000, the only known surviving 1914 Flanders Model D Twin – formerly owned by L.A. newspaper scion Otis Chandler – go for $78,200, and a pristinely restored 1913 Flying Merkel Single Board Track Racer sell for $64,975, to name just a few. Additionally, bikes of pedigree were on offer, including the ex-Rody Rodenberg factory-modified 1940 Triumph T100 Tiger Competition and a 1972 Harley-Davidson XR 750 TT, famous as the model that legend Cal Rayborn used to vanquish many a competitor.
Sellers interested in consigning a motorcycle to this mid-May auction can call 415-391-4000 or e-mail [email protected].
[Source: Bonhams; photo credit: © Sports Illustrated]
For a long time vintage and classic motorcycles have not been regarded quite as highly in the collectors market as cars have been. It’s very nice to see that vintage and classic motorcycles are beginning to enjoy a more prolific time in the collector’s eye, as many models dating prior to 1950 are quite rare to find in any condition. I think that the Bonhams event, which has been held at the Quail Lodge for the last few years, has done a lot to help catapult the awareness and availability of vintage two wheeled machines, as well as offering a pinnacle place for motorcycle collectors to gather annually.
This is not the Sports Illustrated magazine bike. I do own it and got it from Steve McQueen.
I Have all the documents to prove that mine is the bike. It is in excellent original condition and hasn’t been ridin since 1976. Steve took the front fender off after damaging it and a new one on order hadn’t arrived before the photo shoot took place. Ive seen a lot of counterfeit vehicles passed off on the public.
It seems strange that his family would sell his trophies.
The Sports Illustrated cover shot….. I never noticed until now … The Husky McQueen is riding has no front fender …. Thats strange on a dirt bike … Especially for desert racing..