McQueen Harley auctioned for $125K

The November 21 - 23 event featured a small amount of custom and restored, including a pair of Arlen Ness customs that were sold as a job lot with a 1955 Chevrolet 210 sedan and matching trailer.

The top selling motorcycle was a 1938 WLD Sport solo, which had previously belonged to renowned actor and "King of Cool," Steve McQueen.

Originally sold at the Steve McQueen Estate Auction in 1984, the 45ci v-twin WLD still carried the lot tag from that auction at the Anaheim sale, along with Certificate of Authenticity and other memorabilia from the 1984 auction.

Described as being still in its factory paint, the WLD showed 21,000 miles, believed original, at Anaheim, and came with a selection of what's described as McQueen's personal tools.

Believed to be unrestored during its time in McQueen's possession, the patina of which would appear to confirm this.

Despite its age and condition, and not being one of the most collectable Harley-Davidson pre-war models, the McQueen connection saw the WLD sell for US$125,000 (AU$136,300 approx.) including buyer's premium.

This makes the $22,000 achieved for an immaculately restored, show-winning 1949 Hydraglide with 12 volt conversion seem trivial!

Other lots of interest included a Captain America replica panhead chopper (US$16,500 - AU$17,800 approx.), Buell-based custom chopper and a one-off custom chopper built for former Playboy playmate, Anna Nicole Smith, with heart-shaped detailing and 124ci S&S engine.

Full results and further details from this auction at www.mecum.com.

Images: courtesy of Mecum Auctions