As of 2026, everything (or almost) has already been said about what Steve McQueen’s presence meant on and off the big screen more than half a century ago. However, what remains striking is the love he professed for the world of two wheels. His extensive collection of motorcycles then included models like this one Husqvarna 250 cc Motocrosser from 1972 which will soon be auctioned by Bonhams on the occasion of the event “The Stafford Fall Auction: The Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show.”
Husqvarna 250 cc Motocrosser: a “movie” motorcycle
He Next October 11, 2026in it Stafford County Showground, StaffordshireBonhams will be the auction house in charge of finding a new home for this 1972 Ex-Steve McQueen Husqvarna 250 cc Motocrosser. A mount that at the time was acquired through Solar Productionsthe actor’s own production company, to MED International, the brand’s official importer in the US.
As detailed in the description of the announcement of this Husqvarna 250 cc Motocrosser, piloted by Malcolm Smith and Steve McQueen, the brand’s motorcycles soon had a boom among Yankee fans. So much so that they had “a featured role in the iconic 1971 film “On Any Sunday,” an invaluable exposure that catapulted the Swedish company to American fame.”
McQueen and his passion for motorcycles
The North American actor has been and is a benchmark when we talk about motorcycle collections. So much so that, for example, Rétromobile celebrated its 50th anniversary this year with the special exhibition “Steve McQueen, speed as a passion”. Like many enthusiasts, McQueen collected numerous motorcycles that he loved, using some as a source of spare parts and lending others to his friends to encourage them to ride.
“Research conducted with Don Ince, custodian of the surviving Edison Dye archive and a recognized authority on early Husqvarna motorcycles, established that chassis ‘MJ03640’ was invoiced by MED International (Edison Dye) on June 6, 1972.”they explain from Bonhams. This was a common practice for McQueen when acquiring and registering his vehicles.
This link has been contrasted by the famous auction house at different events where it has offered some of the actor’s motorcycles. However, in the case of this Husqvarna 250 cc Motocrosser “The surviving documentation of the machine is in a private collection and is not offered with it; therefore, it has not yet been possible to determine what Steve McQueen did with this particular motorcycle.”they conclude.
Ice claims that this motorcycle could have been passed on to director Sam Peckinpah after the filming of The Getaway (1972), “although no documentary evidence has been found to corroborate this suggestion”it becomes clear.
Current status of the offered copy
Regarding its general condition, this Husqvarna 250 cc Motocrosser is apparently unrestored: “the motorcycle sports decals with the inscription “GP WINNING REPLICA” and the signature of Heiki Mikkola, the famous Finnish motocross world champion, linked for many years to Husqvarna”confirm the organizers of the auction.
They also warn potential interested parties: “After a period of inactivity, this motorcycle will require a tune-up and/or restoration to a greater or lesser extent before returning to circulation, so it is being sold as seen. Potential buyers must ensure that the motorcycle is complete, has its history, is authentic, original and is in good mechanical condition before bidding”. More information and details on the official Bonhams website.
