Steve McQueen Husqvarna sold for world record amount

The machine was identical to the one he famously rode shirtless on the cover of Sports Illustrated. The Husqvarna is a special piece of McQueen memorabilia and was ridden properly by a movie actor who happened to be a fantastic and talented racer - and had a considerable collection of racing trophies to prove it. The rare Husqvarna 400 Cross motorcycle was the latest in a line of big-bore motocross models that combined fearsome power and superb handling.

It was the movie On Any Sunday that introduced many Americans to the world of off-road riding. Husqvarnas were featured in the legendary motorcycle movie, which really put the company on the map for US riders. Seeing motorcycle legend Malcolm Smith and McQueen kick up long rooster-tails of sand on the beach outside of Camp Pendleton inspired many new dirt-bike enthusiasts. In fact, Smith said of McQueen that he had "discovered a rider who probably could have competed at a professional level, had he chosen that line of work."

The Husky 400 Cross was a brutal, unforgiving motorcycle, difficult to ride well, which McQueen absolutely did. It embodied McQueen's desire to be taken seriously as a rider and racer, and his mastery of the Husky only helps fuel his legend.