Steve McQueenthe legendary Indian actor, had two particularly relevant passions among his: acting and especially motorcycles. Throughout his life he enjoyed a multitude of mounts that have now become true myths. Especially if these were also piloted by the American in one of his films. A good example of this is the “Husky” that he wore in “On Any Sunday”.
Also the legendary 1961 Triumph TR6 from “The Great Escape”, the 1971 Husqvarna 400 Cross that accompanied him on his trips through the Mojave Desert, or the 1971 Honda 250 SRM and a 1966 Triumph Rickman Métisse MK3 that the actor himself personally restored. The latter were exhibited to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Parisian Rétromobile.
Steve McQueen’s HD VL awarded to the highest bidder
The last of the motorcycles put up for sale, which previously belonged to the versatile McQueen, is this 1931 Harley-Davidson VLrecently auctioned by Bring a Trailer. Curiously, it was offered in the “without reserve” modality, so if it had not aroused interest among those attending the bidding, it could have ended up being awarded for a price much lower than the one that was finally reached.
Specifically 75,000 dollars, just over 65,000 euros at the current exchange rate. It is necessary to clarify that the motorcycle, despite being aesthetically restored, does not start, as the auction house clarified at the time in the detailed description of the advertisement. Regardless of this “detail”, this Harley-Davidson VL has an enviable image, despite its almost 100 years of age. We are facing a true living myth.
History of McQueen’s Harley
As we have already mentioned, this Harley from the 1930s previously belonged to Steve McQueen. The latter’s idea was to restore it in its entirety, so he kept it safe in his private garage in Ventura (California) until the moment of his death in 1980.
Later, at the beginning of this century, it was purchased by the McQueen memorabilia collector, Mike Eisenbergwho completed a cosmetic renovation of the bike. Its finishes stand out, where the black and red colors, along with the gold details, fit like a glove. Mechanically, it has a 1,212 cc flat V-twin engine although, unfortunately, it does not run.
This in turn is equipped with a Linkert carburetor and a two-in-one exhaust system with a fishtail silencer. The block is in turn associated with a three-speed transmission. The rest of the components that make up this Harley-Davidson VL are the characteristics that were implemented in other models of the time: tubular chassis, spring front fork, radial type tires or brake drums on both axles, are part of them.
Likewise, along with the motorcycle, the auction house delivered to its new owner “a framed certificate of authenticity that comes from Steve McQueen’s November 1984 estate sale auction in Las Vegas and is signed by the actor’s daughter and son.”
Also included “a framed bill of sale, bidder card, bidder ID, and odometer statement from the same auction, as well as a display sign and a 1931 California license plate.”
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