1971 Husqvarna 400 Moto-Cross

• Rebuilt by a marque specialist 12 years ago
• Not run since the restoration
• Present ownership since 2011

Like BSA in Britain, Husqvarna started out manufacturing armaments before turning to bicycles and, in the Swedish company's case, the production of chainsaws, sewing machines and 'white goods'. Post-WW2, Husqvarna continued with an expanded range of two-stroke models, which were soon making their mark in off-road competitions, starting with the ISDT and then international moto-cross. Husqvarna secured its first European 250cc Moto-Cross Championship in 1959 courtesy of Rolf Tiblin, effectively establishing its reputation as a top-ranking manufacturer of dirt racers. By the end of the 1970s, the Swedish firm's strokers had secured nine World Moto-Cross Championships and won the Baja 1,000 enduro on nine occasions. It's easily understandable why Steve McQueen, supreme icon of coolness, chose to ride a Husky.

The 400cc Husqvarna moto-crosser is forever linked to Steve Mcqueen and the film On Any Sunday. This model was made for three years by the Swedish factory (1969, '70, '71) winning two world titles in that period in the hands of Swedish superstar Bengt Aberg. This machine was built in 1971, as indicated by the first stamping on the frame - 'M1' - while its engine number begins with 'M40'. It should be noted that on all classic Husqvarna moto-crossers the frame and engine numbers do not match.

The machine was painstakingly rebuilt some 12 years ago by Husky specialist Will Bennett (who has fully researched and rebuilt many moto-cross Huskies to this high standard) and acquired from him by the current owner at the Telford Show in 2011. His plans to ride the machine competitively were sadly dampened by a serious medical issue and thus it has sat in heated storage since acquisition. The Husky has never had fuel in its tank since the rebuild, but the owner confirms a strong spark and very good compression, as would be expected from a fully rebuilt motor. The vendor advises us that all parts are as per the factory specification for 1971, even including Trelleborg tyres and rare 'red' nyloc 6mm nuts, and that nowhere is there even a scratch or hint of corrosion.