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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 motocross. Husqvarna secured its first European 250cc Motocross Championship in 1959 courtesy of Rolf Tiblin, effectively establishing its reputation as a top-ranking manufacturer of dirt racers. With the writing on the wall for the previously dominant heavyweight four-strokes, the Swedish firm's lightweight strokers had secured nine World Motocross Championships and won the Baja 1,000 enduro on nine occasions by the end of the 1970s. It is easily understandable why movie star Steve McQueen, supreme arbiter of what was hip and cool, chose to ride a Husky.

Across 'The Pond', promoter Edison Dye, often referred to as the 'father of American motocross', took notice and began importing Husqvarna's dirt bikes into the USA, where their attributes became renowned among the relatively small but growing fraternity of serious off-road riders, including Malcolm Smith and Steve McQueen, Ridden by Smith and McQueen, Husqvarnas featured prominently in the iconic 1971 motorcycle movie On Any Sunday - priceless exposure which really put the Swedish company on the map in the USA. Thus began Husqvarna's ascendency and the popular explosion of the sport of motocross in North America.

Like many enthusiasts, McQueen collected numerous examples of bikes he loved, using some as sources of parts and loaning others to friends as an inducement to come riding. Research undertaken with Don Ince, custodian of the surviving Edison Dye archive and a recognised authority on early Husqvarna motorcycles, established that frame 'MJ03640' was invoiced by MED International (Edison Dye) on 6th June 1972 to Bud Ekins, care of Solar Productions, Steve McQueen's production company.

Don further advises that Steve McQueen routinely acquired and titled his vehicles through Solar Productions, a practice reflected across numerous documented ex-McQueen motorcycles and automobiles sold by Bonhams. While this provides a clear contemporary link between this Husqvarna and McQueen's organisation, the machine's surviving documentation is held in a private collection and is not offered with it; ergo, it has not yet been possible to determine what Steve McQueen did with this particular machine, and prospective purchasers should make their own assessment of its significance (or otherwise) prior to bidding. Don has also suggested that this motorcycle may have passed to director Sam Peckinpah following the filming of The Getaway (1972), although no documentary evidence has been located to substantiate this suggestion.

Built for the United States market, this Husqvarna motocrosser still has its original warranty disclaimer and vehicle type approval stickers present. Apparently unrestored, the machine boasts 'G.P. WINNING REPLICA' decals incorporating the signature of Heiki Mikkola, the latter being the celebrated Finnish World Motocross Champion long associated with Husqvarna.

Following a period of inactivity, this motorcycle will require recommissioning and/or restoration to a greater or lesser extent before returning to the road and thus is sold strictly as viewed. Prospective purchasers should satisfy themselves with regard to this motorcycle's completeness, history, authenticity, originality and mechanical condition prior to bidding.
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