Steve McQueen-inspired Desert Racer sells at auction for over £16,000

Famous Hollywood actor and racing driver Steve McQueen left an indelible mark on the 20th century. In addition to his love of cars, he was also passionate about motorcycles, so much so that there is a Desert Racer in his honor.

Métisse has built a limited edition Steve McQueen Desert Racer inspired by the actor and motorsport driver. This bike is an exact replica of the Métisse MK3 that Steve McQueen himself owned and considered to be “the best handling bike” he ever owned.

Only 300 examples were produced, each accompanied by an exclusive collector’s certificate. Until last Friday, one of these examples was up for auction in the UK. It received 48 bids and sold for £16,500.

The motorcycle, black in color, was hand-built by Métisse and features a restored original Triumph engine from 1967. It has approximately 885 kilometers on the odometer and has undergone its latest service, including an oil change , in January of this year.