Please note: This lot is being re-listed due to a non paying buyer. Iconic takes this very seriously and this bidder has been banned from any further auction with Iconic.
Very few individuals have had a greater impact on the sport of motorcycling than Steve McQueen. The so-called “King Of Cool” played a pivotal role in motorcycles becoming more mainstream in the US, and though he sadly passed away in November of 1980 at the age of 50, his influence on the two-wheeled world continues to be felt to this day.
One of the biggest film stars of the ‘60s and ‘70s, McQueen was an avid rider who, despite a hectic schedule making movies with iconic chase scenes such as The Great Escape, Bullitt, Le Mans, and The Getaway, still managed to squeeze in ample time in the saddle. He represented the United States in the 1964 International Six Day Trial and competed in the Baja 1000 in 1969. In 1999, he was inducted into The Motorcycle Hall of Fame.
In the early 1970s, a movie producer by the name of Bruce Brown reached out to Steve McQueen about having him potentially fund a documentary focused on the sport of motorcycling. Though McQueen was confident he wouldn’t see much, if any return on his investment in the film, he nonetheless agreed to fund the film via his company, Solar Productions. McQueen strongly felt that motorcycles were unfairly given a bad rap and too often associated with 1%’er culture, when the reality was there was a thriving — and very positive — moto-scene.
On top of bankrolling the project, McQueen also starred in the flick, alongside the likes of Mert Lawwill and Malcolm Smith. The 1971 movie, On Any Sunday, went on to inspire a legions of people to get into riding, and ended up having the exact effect McQueen had hoped for and giving the sport the exposure the actor believed it rightly deserved. Husky also saw its sales skyrocket overnight, not just in the US but all over the world.
Also included in the lot is a reproduction of a letter McQueen sent to Bruce Brown while he was filming Le Mans.
Two of the helmets are designed by Troy Lee Designs who partnered with the McQueen estate to produce a limited run of 700 helmets to honor the late actor. “I have looked up to Steve McQueen my entire life” Lee has said. The helmets are for decorative purposes only and have never been worn. They come with bags and an extra visor.
The Bell helmet is a retro design in homeage to the style McQueen wore for the 1964 International Six Days Trial in East Germany. It is also for display purposes only and is adorned with a simple “Steve” on the sides.
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album up top for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection: These helmets are brand new, never been worn and are in near perfect condition.
Currently located in Panorama City, California, this Helmet lot is offered on a Bill of Sale only. Have any Steve McQueen stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
