A motorbike once owned by Hollywood legend Steve McQueen is set to go under the hammer in Stafford.
The 1914 Indian Model F once owned by the daredevil actor is among more than 240 bikes going up for auction at the Bonhams sale at the International Classic MotorCycle Show in Stafford on April 28.
The bike, which is expected to sell for between £22,000 and £28,000, is an example of a board-track racing motorcycle.
Board-track motorbikes lacked a clutch, throttle and brakes, and were push started and run flat out - often reaching speeds of up to 100mph - until the end of the race when the rider would short the magneto to stall the engine.
The machine was bought by its current owner at an auction in the US three years ago and has since been housed in his private collection.
McQueen, known as the King of Cool, was an avid motorbike and racecar enthusiast and regularly took part in races. He collected classic motorcycles and was believed to have a collection of more than 100 at the time of his death.
Ben Walker, head of the Bonhams Motorcycle Department, said: “This machine was part of McQueen’s collection rather than one he would have raced.
“He would have wanted this rare find purely for his pleasure and enjoyment as a collector.
“The men who raced these early board-track motorcycles were not only pioneers and champions of early motor racing but must also have been incredibly brave.
“In this age of health and safety the idea of riding at up to 100mph with no helmet or protective clothing, knowing you have no way of stopping in a hurry, is a terrifying thought - but this is what they did.”
The bike is among 242 machines which will be going up for auction at the Bonhams Spring Stafford Sale.
The sale will take place at the Staffordshire County Showground from 9am on April 28.
