Steve McQueen Cyclone throws collector scene into turmoil

The Cyclone is one of the most important names in motorcycle history. In March, one comes up for sale at the Mecum Auction in Las Vegas with not only the famous Cyclone badge to boast about, but the fact that it was once owned by none other than Steve McQueen...

The Cyclone Board Track Racer built by the Joerns Motor Manufacturing Company of St. Paul, Minnesota, was regarded as the most innovative racing motorcycle of its time. It had, among other things, an overhead camshaft per cylinder – a radical feature at the time. Although some 300 racing and road versions were built between 1913 and 1915, only six are thought to survive.

The highlight from E. J. Cole

The Cyclone shown here is undoubtedly the most valuable motorcycle that Steve McQueen ever owned. Even without the bonus of McQueen ownership, a 1915 Cyclone sold at auction in 2008 for the record sum of 551,200 US dollars. The estimate for the pictured bike is 650,000 to 750,000 US dollars – and we’re keen to see the results.

The bike is one of more than 220 motorcycles in the EJ Cole Collection, to be sold by Mecum on 20 and 21 March in Las Vegas.

Photos: Mecum Auctions