One of the three 1971 Husqvarnas owned by legendary film star Steve McQueen is coming under the hammer this month. The 400 Cross, frame and engine number MI3845, was last sold in 1984 in an auction of the Steve McQueen estate.

Its estimate is $130,000-$180,000, although other McQueen models have reached as high as $204,000 so it’s likely to smash this record as the interest in classic bikes is increasing.

It is exactly as ridden by McQueen, complete with spare spark plug he taped to the downtube. The 396cc bike has a four-speed box and puts out a claimed 40bhp. And it comes with the registration document showing it was owned by Solar Productions, McQueen’s own film company. It’s signed by Bud Ekins, McQueen’s pal and the man who made the famous jump for McQueen in The Great Escape.

The auction is run by Bonhams and will be at Carmel in California on August 19.