The 1934 Indian Sport S Motorcycle Owned by Steven McQueen sold at Auction
A 1934 Indian Sport S owned by Steve McQueen sold at auction for US$91,485.
The motorcycle fanatic, Steve McQueen was the owner of this beauty. This motorcycle was one of the famous ones. The Indian was one of more than 230 motorcycles sold at the annual two-day auction, Bonhams Stafford Sale, in the UK.
The entire sales of the auction were more than US$5.5 million, a previous record for the sale and the highest-grossing motorcycle sale yet in Europe.
Back in the days, Indian motorcycles were the very forefront of motorcycle design and technology, and now the brand is only remembered for its powerful, large-capacity v-twins features.
Their first motorcycle was launched in 1907, with chain drive features right from the start. It was right when Oscar Hedstorm and Oliver Hendee, both active in the cycle racing world, partnered to build the first prototype in 1901.
Then in 1911, the company broke records again with their OHV four-valves-per-cylinder racers, and then in 1916 with a new 61ci ‘flat head’ v-twin came out the market.
Then a smaller v-twin model, the 37ci Scout joined the one before it in 1920, then two years later, the range was extended with a new Scout-based 1,000cc model, the Chief- the first of a line.
The Scout soon gained a good reputation for its durability. Introduced in 1943, the Sport S(cout) went some way towards retrieving the Scout’s reputation, and featured a lighter ‘keystone’ frame and European-style girder forks.
Because it was lighter and faster than its immediate predecessor, the Sport Scout was very sought among the motorcycles enthusiasts. And when you think that it isn’t even the most expensive motorcycle ever sold.
And so, one of those motorcycles ended up in Steve McQueen’s possession. It was Steve’s favorite brand, and as a serious collector of motorcycles he couldn’t say no to this one.
This 1934 Indian Sport S motorcycle became one part of Steve’s collection. It was bought by the current vendor at Bonhams’ McQueen Sale in San Francisco in 2006.
“Last run in May 2015, it was in good condition when purchased and remains the same today, finished a striking colour scheme of ivory and black. The machine is offered with a UK V5C registration document and a copy State of Idaho Certificate of Title signed by Steve McQueen.” @bonhams.com
Former Top Gear presenter James May also attended as several of his motorcycles went under the hammer, including the 1967 Honda CB450 ‘Black Bomber’, which sold for £5980.
