You know, we could probably run a regular column titled “Buy Steve McQueen’s Bikes.”
The Hollywood star was not just a leading man on the silver screen; he also led a few motorcycle races in his time as well, did his own two-wheeled stunt work whenever the studio would let him get away with it, and had an impressive collection of motorcycles.
He was what they call an Avid Motorcyclist.
But, McQueen has been dead for decades, and his collection of bikes has been changing hands ever since. The latest bike to go up for auction is this 1914 Indian board track racer; it’ll be auctioned on April 28 by Bonham’s at the International Classic MotorCycle Show in Stafford, UK.
While this board tracker was likely one of the hottest track day machines of its time, it lacks a few features found on modern superbikes – like brakes. At least there’s no need for ABS! It has a 500 cc motor that makes about 4 hp. Its frame and steering geometry have been altered, for board track success.
The machine was supposedly restored by Stephen Wright; Bonham’s doesn’t tell us how long McQueen owned the bike, or whether he actually tried to ride it, or used it to jump any fences while pursued by Nazis.*
You can find more details on the bike here.
*Yes, we’re aware Bud Ekins made the jump, since management wouldn’t let McQueen do it. Sissies!
