McQueen machine makes almost $160K at auction

The ex-McQueen bike was among a large number of cars and motorcycles, including some with Hollywood connections, consigned for Auctions America's first ever California auction, held at the Los Angeles Marriott Hotel in Burbank.

McQueen's passion for speed and motorcycles is well known, with this motorcycle described by numerous sources as the movie star's first, purchased in 1951. Originally fitted with a sidecar, the Indian was reportedly retained after a "me or the bike" ultimatum from an early girlfriend!

Following McQueen's death in 1980, the Indian was sold at the star's estate auction in 1984, and had been completely restored in the 1990s.

The top-selling bike at the Auctions America Burbank sale in August, the Indian Chief sold for an impressive US$143,750 (AU$159,469 approx.), the documented McQueen provenance and outstanding condition contributing to the price achieved.

Image: Auctions America