Arguably the most iconic film in motorcycling, “On Any Sunday” helped promote the way of BRAAAP to thousands of youngsters and adults.
The film, produced by Bruce Brown and released in 1971, featured men who would quickly become legendary motorcyclists – the Hollywood looker Steve McQueen, Grand National Champion Mert Lawwill, and multi-time Baja winner Malcolm Smith, simply known as “Malcolm” to his fans.
Malcolm, who started Malcolm Smith Motorsports (later MSR), piloted a 1970 Husqvarna 400 Cross in “On Any Sunday” – a bike that quickly became the object of many motorcyclists’ desires. Malcolm continued to own the bike, and donated to the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in the past.
But this week, Malcolm did something very Malcolm-like – he donated the bike to the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame, and it will now be part of the Pickerington, Ohio, museum’s permanent collection.
“A true legend of motorcycling, Malcolm Smith is one of the Hall of Fame’s most recognizable members,” said AMA President and CEO Rob Dingman. “We’re humbled and inspired by this memorable gift. Like Malcolm himself, this Husqvarna has launched many motorcycling dreams, and we’re honored to give it a permanent home in the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame.”
Malcolm’s reasoning for donating? To help promote motorcycling as a fun and exciting sport.
“Many remember ‘On Any Sunday’ as the reason they started riding, and I continue to hear it today,” Malcolm says. “Whenever I’m at a motorcycle event, people always tell me that watching me enjoying riding so much in the movie was the reason they got into bikes, and they’re so happy they did. I always ask them what their lives would have been like if they hadn’t discovered motorcycles… They can’t imagine it!
“I’m happy to donate my ‘On Any Sunday’ Husky to the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame, where it can continue to inspire people about motorcycling and remind everyone how much fun it is,” Smith said.
Plan your visit to the AMA Museum now to check out Malcolm’s Husqvarna 400 Cross – the same bike used in “On Any Sunday.”
The AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame reports that soon fans will be able to learn more about Malcolm in the upcoming Malcolm! The Autobiography, which will include an entire chapter on “On Any Sunday.” For information, visit www.themalcolmbook.com.
