There was no sign of ‘McQueen mania’ abating at last weekend’s Bonhams Quail Lodge all-motorcycle sale, as a 1971 Husqvarna 400 Cross, once owned and ridden by the 'King of Cool', sold for $144,500.

The price achieved for the motorbike, a ‘Without Reserve’ entry in the 69-lot catalogue, is a new world record for the model. Bonhams also believes this to be the case for the 1925 BMW R32 which made $139,000.

Other 'bikes sold included the two Harley-Davidson Easy Rider replicas, ‘Captain America’ and ‘Billy Bike’ owned by the Guggenheim Museum, which sold for $52,650 and $24,570, respectively. The proceeds from this sale will support art acquisitions by the museum – as will the 1979 BMW M1 Procar ‘Art Car’ also to be auctioned by Bonhams & Butterfields (at Quail Lodge this August).

With winning bids also coming from South America, the United Kingdom and South East Asia, Mark Osborne - Head of Bonhams’ US Motoring Department - was delighted with the sale, commenting afterwards:

“Buyers kept us on our toes at the telephone bidding bank from where bids were relayed to CEO and auctioneer, Malcolm Barber. Increments were jumped as passionate collectors clamoured for the choicest offerings, creating a buzz and applause from the auction room.”

Text: Steve Wakefield
Photos: Bonhams & Butterfields.