Steve McQueen motorcycle for sale at the Quail
Fri, 29 Apr 2011
If you've ever wanted to own a piece of two-wheeled memorabilia, or just have a good piece of Americana, Bonhams' third-annual Quail Motorcycle Gathering has your chance.
The 1971 Husqvarna 400 that the King of Cool, Steve McQueen owned will cross the block on May 14 at the Quail Lodge in Carmel, Calif. It is not, as Bonhams previously implied, the actual bike that was on the famous Sports Illustrated cover.
The Husky, as it was once called, was originally bought at the McQueen estate sale in 1984 from the Harrah's Collection in Las Vegas. In addition to the bike's authentic documentation and owner, the lot comes with a wooden trunk of accessories owned by McQueen.
The bike and trunk are expected to sell for $50,000 to $70,000.
Other notable lots at the Quail sale include a 1968 Harley-Davidson KR-TT Road Racer that should go for about $90,000, and a 1933 Indian-Crocker 45ci Speedway Racing Motorcycle.
Earlier in April, about 200 bikes were sold at a Bonhams auction in Las Vegas for a grand total of $2.5 million.
Last year's sale at the Quail Motorcycle Gathering had a rare 1910 Royal Pioneer Single sell for $92,000 and a 1914 Flanders Model D Twin for $78,200.
Sellers interested in consigning a motorcycle to this auction can call (415) 391-4000 or e-mail usacars@bonhams.com.
By Jake Lingeman