Steve McQueen’s classic Pope 61CI Model Motorcycle Auctioned This Thursday January 25th In Las Vegas

A 1914 Pope 61CI Model bought by the Great Escape star in the late 1970s just a few years before his untimely death, has emerged for sale by the Bonhams Auction House this Thursday, January 25th, at the Rio Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. McQueen’s purchase of the bike came as the result of long trips spent scouring the countryside with close friend and legendary stunt driver, Bud Ekins. McQueen added it to his huge collection of automobiles, but when he died suddenly of cancer in November 1980, unlike most of his machines, the Pope was sold privately and not at auction.

The Pope was purchased by Otis Chandler, a well known publisher and proprietor of the Los Angeles Times. He placed the 1,000cc bike on display in his personal motor museum in Oxnard, California before selling it years later to an established collector in classic motorcycles. The bike remains in superb condition and its pale blue bodywork appears without a scratch. It has white tires and deep red markings identifying the it as a Pope. It has a top speed of around 70mph and its connection to McQueen is expected to add considerably to the bike’s value.

Ben Walker, global head of motorcycles for the auction house, said: “This is a very rare bike indeed. “We have only offered two examples of this model in the last ten years so that gives you an idea of just how uncommon this bike is. To register to bid, remotely or in person, and to see more, visit Bonhams Vegas

3 Responses to “Steve McQueen’s classic Pope 61CI Model Motorcycle Auctioned This Thursday January 25th In Las Vegas”


  1. 1 Boots Jan 24th, 2018 at 6:33 pm

    Steve McQueen’s collection was incredible. Its a shame it could not have been kept together and put on display. I guess the only problem with that is the younger generation, millennials, probably haven’t heard of Steve McQueen !

  2. 2 GYM Jan 25th, 2018 at 12:21 pm

    And to think that the Pope could be bought….heaven forbid!

  3. 3 Alex Jan 29th, 2018 at 9:41 am

    Pretty sure this is the same one that did not sell at Mecum the same week for not hitting the reserve? McQueen’s Henderson was the lot right before it and fetched $100,000.

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Cyril Huze