Long before the days when two-stroke Japanese dirt bikes used to fill our weekends until we braaaaped ourselves to sleep, European brands were basically the only choice in off-road motorcycles. While a bunch of manufacturers threw their helmets in the ring, no one quite dominated the 1970s dirt like Swedish royalty Husqvarna. Their bikes won 14 motocross and 24 enduro titles in this era and became the motorcycle for anyone that rode two wheels.
Hollywood icon, and men’s style muse, Steve McQueen, happened to be not only be a fan, but also a collector of Husqvarna motorbikes from this era. Longtime friend Bud Ekins said of The King of Cool’s acquisitions: “He’d tell the seller, ‘Don’t you want to be able to say you sold your bike to Steve McQueen?’ And it worked.”
RELATED: Spielberg Is Directing A New Movie Based On A Classic Steve McQueen Character
This particular Husqvarna going under the hammer with Bonhams is a 1971 400 Cross that still wears Steve McQueen’s legacy on its sleeve. The seller has stated that the bike is in “last ridden by McQueen condition,” with all the bumps and bruises from the man’s riding antics.
The bike also includes some McQueen mods: a leather protector for the gear shifter and “a spare spark plug McQueen duct tapped to the frame.”
The preservation of McQueen’s Husqvarna 400 over all these years is as heartwarming as it is impressive, and we all hope the lucky new owner continues the tradition.
The auction of the 1971 Husqvarna 400 Cross formerly owned by Steve McQueen is scheduled to occur on August 19th (pricing estimate: US$130,000 – US$180,000).
Steve McQueen 1971 Husqvarna 400 Cross Specifications
- 1971 Husqvarna 400 Cross
- Frame no. MI3845
- Engine no. MI3845
- 396cc 2-Stroke Single Cylinder Engine
- Single Carburetor
- 40bhp
- 4-Speed Manual Transmission
- Telescopic Fork and Girling Rear Suspension
- All-Wheel Drum Brakes
