Auction house Bonhams said it plans to sell this 1914 Indian Model F racing motorcycle, once owned by the late actor Steve McQueen, during its April 28 sale at the International Classic MotorCycle Show in Stafford, England. The Model F is an early board-track racer from an era when racing motorcycles on banked wooden tracks was extremely popular. This purpose-built bike and the machines it competed against generally had no clutch, throttle or brakes. They were push-started and ran “wide-open” at speeds up to 100 mph. When the race was over the rider would cut the magneto ignition to turn off the engine.
The Model F is one of 242 motorcycles set to cross the block during the Bonhams sales sale. While it is not the rarest and doesn’t have the highest estimate, its connection with McQueen could make it a wild card. A number of McQueen’s former cars and motorcycles have fetched many times their estimated value in auctions during the past decade. The 1914 Indian Model F is estimated to fetch between £22,000 and £28,000, or $33,576 and $42,732.
“The men who raced these early board-track motorcycles were not only pioneers and champions of early motor racing but must also have been incredibly brave,” said Ben Walker, head of Bonhams’ motorcycle department. “In this age of health and safety the idea of riding at up to 100 mph with no helmet or protective clothing, knowing you have no way of stopping in a hurry, is a terrifying thought.”
Predictions for you collectors?
Steve owned many Indians !
RE:
“… In this age of health and safety the idea of riding at up to 100 mph with no helmet or protective clothing, knowing you have no way of stopping in a hurry, is a terrifying thought…”
-No- More like this:
“….In this age of government attempted control of every aspect of human endeavor, that my friends is the terrifying thought….”
Moreover, in their zeal to make everyone equal, the Progressive Left will attempt to reduce the risk of any activity so that even a bed-wetting Metro-Sexual (Allen Alda type) could take part without fear. And not be made to feel “unequal” for lack of ability or courage.
Think about it.
-nicker-
@ nicker-I don’t think that quote was a slam, seems more like a compliment and recognition of how brave these board-trackers were. Any sport that eventually becomes outlawed because of deaths does seem to fall into the bravery category 😉
What we need now is that U-Tube clip from 1920’s Hollywood board track and you’ll see those guys flying in action.
The film is out there. Somebody posted it a couple years back.
One rider at the end of a 100+ mph crash & burn was seen walking away picking splinters from his palms. 🙁 ouch-city.
I think those predictions are very low. I think it is safe to say it will go for more then double that given that it was owned my Steve McQueen will fuel the bidding upward