A Vincent Black Lightning and the Husqvarna rode by Steve McQueen in the film On Any Sunday will be auctioned at the Barber Motorsports Museum in Birmingham, Alabama, on 6 October.
The Black Lightning, sometimes called the “Ferrari GTO of two wheels,” is regarded by many as the holy grail of motorcycles. Possessing the golden combination of rarity (only around 30 were ever built), evocative design, forward-thinking engineering and racing success, the British-made bike is simply unmatched in the collector world. And like a GTO, these coveted machines rarely come up for sale.
The 1949 example was ordered new for Swiss racer and NSU factory team racer Hans Stärkle. Astonishingly, it is the second example built, has full ownership history from new, and is the earliest most original example in existence. With a Vincent Black Lightning currently holding the world record for the most valuable motorcycle ever sold at auction – a feat realised by Bonhams in Las Vegas earlier this year when the Australian Speed Record bike sold for nearly $1-million, this rarity is sure to command global interest.
In the archives of popular culture, few motorcycles have more wow factor than the 1970 Husqvarna 400 Cross the King of Cool rode in the film On Any Sunday. It’s offered with extensive documentation, including the ownership card from the California Department of Motor Vehicles naming Solar Productions (McQueen’s production company), McQueen’s entry form for the 1970 Saddleback 500 Senior Race, and a lucky penny – an uncirculated 1960 1¢ coin (1960 being the birth year of son Chad) – that was found inside a clear plastic case tucked away in the cavity of the motorcycle between the engine and frame.
Bonhams’ sale will be hosted in conjunction with the famous Barber Vintage Festival.