Steve McQueen's Scott Motorcycle Goes Under the Hammer

Produced by the Scott Motorcycle Company, the Von Dutch 1929 Scott 596cc Super Squirrel Engine no. Y2373A is now auctioned by Antiquorum Auctioneers.

As an example of one of the most technologically advanced machines of its day, the motorcycle represents a piece of American motorcycling history. Meanwhile, the Super Squirrel has been restored, painted and pin striped in the 1970s by Kenny “Von Dutch” Howard.

Von Dutch added the ‘flying eyeball’ logo on the toolbox and hand-painted the Scott logos, finishing them in gold leaf. However, he mistakenly lettered the date on the front number plate (1926 instead of 1929).

Prior to his death, Steve McQueen gave the bike to Von Dutch, which sold it to a collector in California. Finally, the bike was purchased by Tonny Sorensen, who happens to own the Von Dutch clothing company.

According to the Antiquorum Auctioneers, the engine was recently overhauled, featuring new bearings, pistons and a re-bore, plus the crankshaft and cylinders refurbished by Scott specialist Roger Moss.

Steve McQueen’s International Driver’s License is also offered in the same auction, estimated between $15,000 - $25,000. For those who don’t know, Steve McQueen was an American movie actor, nicknamed ‘The King of the Cool’.

As an avid racer, he bought his first motorcycle with his winnings. He is recognized for performing many of his own stunts, especially the majority of the stunt driving during the high-speed chase scene in Bullitt. Also memorable is the motorcycle chase scene from The Great Escape movie.

The Scott Super Squirrel was on display at the Motorcycle Hall of Fame as part of the “MotStars: Celebrities + Motorcycles” exhibit until recently. Estimated between $80,000 - $120,000, it will be auctioned on June 11, 2009.