Steve McQueen’s Husqvarna Moto-Cross 250 on the Block
1971 Husqvarna Moto-Cross 250 owned by Steve McQueen
McQueen’s 1971 Husqvarna Moto-Cross 250
This Saturday, another one of Steve McQueen’s machines will be on the block – a 1971 Husqvarna Moto-Cross 250.
Included in the auction located at the Profiles in History offices in Calabasas, Calif., is the original Med-International Husqvarna dealers invoice. This invoice is dated Oct. 19, 1971, reflecting Solar Productions, McQueen’s production company, as being the buyer of “Husky Moto-Cross 250cc Frame # MI-4473 / Engine # 254319” for the total price of $898.
The invoice includes many historical facts regarding the Husky owned by the “King of Cool,” including the statement “Ship to Valerians for Steve to have picked up.” Also included is the original Manufacturer’s Statement of Origin document, dated Oct. 19, 1971, stating the matching Solar Productions buyer information, complete with matching make, model and serial number.
McQueen, known for his love of Triumph motorcycles, was heavily influenced by friend and stunt rider Bud Ekins, the man who made McQueen’s famed jump over the fence in The Great Escape. But when Husqvarna arrived in the states, McQueen began piloting them, and was included in the 1971 flick “On Any Sunday” riding a Husky.
Speaking of what McQueen did for Husqvarna, Profiles in History says “The film (On Any Sunday) created thousands of first time bikers in the U.S. and worldwide, and sales exploded for Husqvarna overnight. This Husqvarna 250 Cross is just like the bike McQueen rode at Lake Elsinore when he competed and raced at in 1970 & 1971 in “expert” class. The motorcycle has been restored; with the exception of some paint loss on the front fender, it remains in excellent running condition.”
McQueen’s motorcycles are always on top in auctions. The last McQueen Husqvarna – a 1971 500 Cross model – set a world record when it sold for $144,500 in 2011. Earlier this year a McQueen 1946 Indian motorcycle sold for $145,750 and a 1931 Harley Davidson brought $137,500. Price estimate is $50,000 – $70,000.00.
Profiles in History will be providing internet-based bidding to qualified bidders in real-time on the day of the auction, which begins at 11 a.m. PST Saturday, Dec. 21. For additional information, visit profilesinhistory.com.
