Motorcycle Auction

Following Bonhams' inaugural motorcycle sale in Las Vegas earlier this month, where approximately 200 motorcycles brought buyers and sellers together from around the world for a sales total exceeding $2.5 million, the auctioneers have announced the third annual auction at the Quail Motorcycle Gathering.

Scheduled for May 14, 2011 at Quail Lodge in Carmel, Calif., Bonhams' sale of "Exceptional Motorcycles & Related Memorabilia" will include what is understood to be the very motorcycle featured on the front cover of the August 1971 issue of Sports Illustrated being ridden by none other than "The King of Cool," Steve McQueen.

The 1971 Husqvarna 400 was originally purchased from the Steve McQueen Estate Sale in 1984 at Harrah's Auto Collection in Las Vegas, the very locale where Bonhams' recent motorbike sale was conducted.

In addition to its title of former owner, authentic documentation and immortal association, the Swedish-made dirt bike, which son Chad McQueen reportedly said was his father's favorite off-road motorcycle brand, comes with a wooden trunk of accessories as owned by McQueen.

Other Steve McQueen ephemera will be offered at the sale including numerous racing trophies won by this legend of the silver screen.

A call for consignments is being issued for the upcoming May auction where sellers can expect interest from clientele from around the globe.

Last year's sale at Quail Lodge saw a rare 1910 Royal Pioneer Single sell for $92,000, the only known surviving 1914 Flanders Model D Twin - formerly owned by L.A. newspaper scion Otis Chandler - go for $78,200, and a pristinely restored 1913 Flying Merkel Single Board Track Racer sell for $64,975, to name just a few of the motorcycles.

Additionally, motorcycles of pedigree were on offer, including the ex-Rody Rodenberg factory-modified 1940 Triumph T100 Tiger Competition and a 1972 Harley-Davidson XR 750 TT, famous as the model that legend Cal Rayborn used to vanquish many a competitor.

Sellers interested in consigning a motorcycle to this mid-May auction can call 415-391-4000 or e-mail usacars@bonhams.com.