---
title: "All-American: Steve McQueen’s Vintage Harley-Davidson Racer"
description: "Even the paintjob has a star-spangled backstory."
date: "2017-01-08"
modified: "2017-01-08"
authors:
  - name: "Max Prince"
    link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/max-prince"
url: "https://www.thedrive.com/article/6857/all-american-steve-mcqueens-vintage-harley-davidson-racer"
categories:
  - "News"
tags:
  - "Auctions"
  - "harley-davidson"
  - "motorcycles"
  - "Steve McQueen"
---

# All-American: Steve McQueen’s Vintage Harley-Davidson Racer

![](<https://www.thedrive.com/wp-content/uploads/images-by-url-td/content/2017/01/gettyimages-108800816.jpg>)
*\<em\>www.thedrive.com</em>*

Steve McQueen’s affinity for foreign sports cars and motorcycles is well documented, both on the [silver screen](<https://www.thedrive.com/article/823/in-the-new-documentary-steve-mcqueen-the-man-le-mans-a-tragic-hero>) and in his [personal collection](<https://www.thedrive.com/motorcycles/1457/this-old-triumph-motorcycle-is-pure-mcqueen>). But, like his contemporaries, Eastwood and Redford and [Newman](<https://www.thedrive.com/accelerator/1864/paul-newman-was-a-racing-driver>), the King of Cool’s style and swagger were unmistakably American. Hardly surprising, then, that McQueen had a taste for old-school Milwaukee metal. Now, the man’s vintage Big Twin is up for grabs.

![message-editor%2F1483927640410-steve-mcqueens-1912-harley-davidson-x8e-big-twin-1480x1180.jpg](<https://www.thedrive.com/wp-content/uploads/message-editor/1483927640410-steve-mcqueens-1912-harley-davidson-x8e-big-twin-1480x1180.jpg>)
**Bonhams**

And this is the Big Twin to have, the original. The 1912 X8E is a landmark, Harley-Davidson’s first legit chain-drive offering, with a 60ci engine, magneto ignition, skirted fenders and floating seat. In period, it was the range-topping model, rated for 8hp and priced at $310 (or $7,650 in today’s money), a $10 premium over the 6.5-hp standard twin. The bike seen here also has the 1912-only crankcase breather and, amazingly, retains its factory pistons with matching barrel stampings, No. 7691B. Keener eyes might notice other, not-so-factory touches, namely the updated wheels and headlamp. Both were added so McQueen could race the bike in Pre-1916 Class at a vintage rally, which he did. Because he was Steve McQueen.

![message-editor%2F1483927670397-steve-mcqueens-1912-harley-davidson-x8e-big-twin-9.jpg](<https://www.thedrive.com/wp-content/uploads/message-editor/1483927670397-steve-mcqueens-1912-harley-davidson-x8e-big-twin-9.jpg>)
**Bonhams**

Then there’s the paint. It’s a ratty fire engine red job, gold stencil lettering and heavy patina, one of the tanks left unfinished. Faux pas? More like avant-garde. Rumor holds that McQueen had Von Dutch rattle-can the bike red during a late-night binge drinking session. If you’re at all versed in the history of American speed culture, that should plaster a big grin across your face.

Best of all, this [1912 Harley-Davidson X8E](<https://www.bonhams.com/auctions/23804/lot/143/?category=list&length=100&page=1>) runs and rides. Bring a pair of Persols and $120,000 to [Bonhams Las Vegas auction January 26](<https://www.bonhams.com/auctions/23804/lot/143/?category=list&length=100&page=1>), and make all your McQueen fantasies a reality.

### Author social links  
[Twitter](<https://twitter.com/themaxprince>)