To many individuals, Steve McQueen’s fame was born from that epic 10-minute bike chase within the nice Escape – and with it, generation when generation of bike enthusiasts.
This iconically trendy gentleman’s love for 2 wheels wasn’t simply confined to the four corners of the silver screen – in real world, he was a real aficionado, amassing a bike assortment that would simply belong in an exceedingly repository. Here, we tend to offer you the lowdown on one amongst the rarest bikes he owned: his bespoke 1963 Triumph Bonneville Desert Sled Frame.
What’s the association between Steve McQueen and motorcycles?
Outside of international superstardom, McQueen was really a fervent traveller. He raced at nearly each event on the circuit, from the tracks of capital of Indiana to the Baja one thousand, and was even inducted into the yankee traveller Association Hall of Fame. The King of Cool, as he’s acknowledged, undoubtedly lived up to his designation.
What makes this Steve McQueen bike thus special?
Built by Bud Ekins, McQueen’s long friend and stunt double for each the nice Escape and Bullitt, this bespoke Triumph’s purpose was for pure cross-country fun – cow trailing and desert athletics, to be actual. Painted by the legendary Von Dutch (also his friend), it’s a real happening, sporting a 1971 title to star Productions, McQueen’s production company, that additionally bears the star’s signature.
Is there any approach you'll get your hands on it?
The original version of this text carried associate degree announcement that this picture Steve McQueen Triumph was up for auction at the noted Bonhams metropolis bike Auction in Jan 2016, which it had been expected to fetch between £33,000–£40,000. It eventually oversubscribed for over £80,000. Ouch.
So, unless the new owner isn’t proud of it for any reason (we seriously can’t consider any) and decides to sell it, likelihood is these photos are going to be the nearest any people can ever get thereto. Still, perhaps keep an eye fixed on forthcoming Bonhams auction listings. It prices nothing to hope and dream, after all.
For additional Hollywood two-wheelers, verify our list of the foremost picture motorcycles in film.