Ben Walker
Department Director
Lot 224
The ex-Steve McQueen
1971 Husqvarna 250cc Cross
Frame no. M14473
Engine no. 254319
1971 Husqvarna 250cc Cross
Frame no. M14473
Engine no. 254319
8 January 2015, 11:00 PST
Las Vegas, Bally's Hotel & CasinoUS$70,000 - US$90,000
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Mark Osborne
Vice President
The ex-Steve McQueen
1971 Husqvarna 250cc Cross
Frame no. M14473
Engine no. 254319
1971 Husqvarna 250cc Cross
Frame no. M14473
Engine no. 254319
In the late 1960s most dirtbikes were simply modified versions of bulky British and American four-stroke streetbikes. But, long before the emergence of the Japanese, it was the continental Europeans who were at the forefront of motocross development. The Swedes, Spaniards and Czechs, in particular, were creating ever lighter, more powerful and nimbler machines.
Soon Sweden-based Husqvarna introduced a series of two-stroke machines featuring a lusty single-cylinder engine suspended in a lightweight steel frame. This beautiful, comparatively airy, big-bore motocrosser combined fearsome power, superior handling and rakish good looks - a winning combination that quickly made headlines.
American Edison Dye took notice and started importing Husqvarna's line into the Unites States. Shortly after the stateside debut, a Husky was shown carrying a talented young racer by the name of Malcolm Smith across a perfect California beach in the seminal movie On Any Sunday. Then Steve McQueen on the cover of Sports Illustrated, as he charged his Husky through the Mojave Desert. Thus began the popular explosion of the sport of motocross.
This particular example is a 250cc model that was bought new by Steve McQueen in 1971. Like most of McQueen's vehicles, this was purchased through his production company Solar Productions in Hollywood. It is well known that McQueen owned at several Husky Crosses, in all engine capacities.
Included in the sale of this pristine-condition motorcycle is the official Manufacturer Statement of Origin and the invoice to Solar Productions from Dye's company Med-International – both made out to Solar Productions and the latter with Steve's name.
As the legend of the King of Cool continues to grow, this tough yet sublime dirtbike not only has the pedigree but also the provenance to make it one of the most unique and desirable motorcycles in the world.