Ex Bud Ekins, 1970 Husqvarna 400cc Cross

● Purchased new by Bud Ekins
● Used for film stunt work
● Unrestored condition
● Documented provenance

This machine left Gothenburg, Sweden with 55 other 400 Cross models in late 1969 bound for Los Angeles, California. They were the first consignment of Husqvarna's 400 Cross to arrive in the USA, most of which were destined for motorcycle dealerships along the USA's West Coast. Included in this consignment were actor Steve McQueen's and Malcolm Smith's bikes that would feature in the award-winning documentary film, On Any Sunday. 'MH1364' was purchased by Bud Ekins in the same week that McQueen bought his 400 Cross and it should be noted that this machine is only two engine numbers apart from the iconic On Any Sunday Husqvarna that Steve McQueen rode and was sold by Bonhams in 2018 for $230,500.

A consummate off-road racer, bike restorer, occasional stunt rider and all-American hero, Ekins was a close friend of McQueen and performed the famous motorcycle jump (as McQueen's stunt double) in the movie The Great Escape. Ekins also won four Gold Medals and a Silver Medal during his seven years of competing in the International Six Days Trial in the 1960s.

Bud Ekins bought the Husqvarna for his own personal use and to ride as a stunt bike in films, as confirmed by the supporting letter from Husqvarna importer, M E Dye. The bike remains in an unrestored condition. The engine turns over and the gears select; however, it should be noted that at some point in the 1970s a decompressor valve was fitted to the cylinder head. After-market Goki air caps have been fitted to the front forks and the rear shock absorbers moved further back on the swinging arm, commonplace alterations made to improve competitiveness during the 1970s. The machine has also been fitted with a Hooker performance exhaust pipe.

Little has been done to the Cross, which has been stored and neither used nor started since the vendor acquired it a few years ago (its NOVA number is 16E221288). It is not known when the machine was last used and its mechanical condition is likewise unknown. Thus it is sold strictly as viewed. Accompanying paperwork consists of a California DMV transfer of ownership document in Bud Ekins' name dating from February 1970 and the aforementioned importer's letter. A rare opportunity to purchase an unrestored Husqvarna moto-crosser with confirmed celebrity provenance.
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