Steve McQueen’s century-old 1914 61ci Model L Twin set to be auctioned

Michelle Liew

January 29, 2018

Photo credits: Bonhams

If you’re into vintage bikes and are willing to bid for one, this is the one for you as Steve McQueen’s previous bike will be up for bidding in Bonham’s Las Vegas Auction.

The bike- a 1914 Pope 61ci Model L Twin- is a little over a century-old and was once owned by McQueen in the late 1970s. The bike is said to be both a show bike and a rider.

Photo credits: Bonhams

The bike was launched in 1912 and had a remarkable 1,000cc engine with overhead valves on detachable heads. The bike would be able to top off high speeds at 70mph and delivered over 15 hp with a two-speed countershaft transmission with an Eclipse clutch. It was reported to be the fastest bike in the world at 1916. It comes with a PowerPlus bottom end, which lengthens the stroke and thus increases the torque. 

“The Pope Twin is a very uncommon motorcycle of high build quality that represents a fascinating period and indeed a pioneering period in American motoring history,” said Ben Walker, Bonhams’ International Director of Motorcycling.

Photo credits: Fragrantica

“Additionally, having been owned by Steve McQueen, aka the King of Cool, just adds further allure to this antique motorbike.”

“McQueen could’ve owned whatever he wanted and the fact that he chose this early motorcycle to compliment his collection – all of which he actively rode and enjoyed – is confirmation of its appeal.”

After McQueen’s death in 1980, the bike was sold and displayed in the Otis Chandle Museum in Oxnard, California. After Chandler died, the bike was then bought by the current owner and restored back to its glorious days.