﹒Film bike replica ﹒Built by Blitz Motorcycles of Paris ﹒Authentic recreation of Steve McQueen hero bike ﹒Classic BMW running gear
The Background
We don’t think there’s a man anywhere who hasn’t - at some point in his life - wanted to be Steve McQueen.
Despite his untimely death in 1980, aged 50, the ‘King of Cool’ managed to become a bigger movie idol with every screen appearance, but by far his most iconic films were the ones that featured vehicles – Bullitt, Le Mans and The Great Escape to name but a few.
That’s because McQueen was a petrolhead of the highest order. He did most of the driving in Le Mans himself, for example, while in his private life he also had an incredible collection of cars and motorcycles, among them one of the bikes from The Great Escape.
It’s a little known fact, but the ‘BMW’ motorbikes in the iconic movie weren’t BMWs at all. Instead, they were based on the Triumph TR6 Trophy but modified to look like the BMW R75s ridden by German officers. And as per Le Mans, McQueen performed most of his own stunts.
A genuine film bike would be worth a not-so-small fortune today, but here’s an alternative that’s just as cool for a fraction of the cost. Custom-built by Blitz motorcycles in Paris, which is famous for its one-off builds, the bike is a visual replica of The Great Escape models, but this time it’s actually based on a BMW – an R50 touring bike.
Little is known about this bike’s early years before it went to Blitz, but it does have matching engine and frame numbers that prove its authenticity as a 1960 BMW R50, including the build certificate form BMW in Munich which was required to register it as a historic vehicle in the UK.
It’s a well-travelled machine, commissioned from Blitz by its ‘first’ owner in Western Australia. The current owner bought it while working out there last year to use as transport for a few months but was so beguiled by the bike that he arranged to have it air-freighted back to the UK.
He has since done everything required to get it registered over here and has been using it frequently but has reluctantly decided to sell it to fund a property deposit.
The R50 comes with a UK V5C and a selection of bills and invoices supplied to its previous owner including the original commission letter and order sheet from Blitz Motorcycles, plus correspondence between Blitz and the buyer about creating a ‘Great Escape’ replica.
The owner is very reluctant to sell his bike and it’s easy to see why. Not only is it unique (and achingly cool) but it is also immaculately presented and detailed.
It has nearly new tyres, exceptional paintwork and is spotlessly clean.
The R50 is powered by a 494cc air-cooled twin in horizontally opposed ‘Boxer’ configuration. It’s a wonderful and distinctive sounding bike and while it’s not quick compared to a modern motorcycle, it will hold its own in modern traffic.
The owner has just replaced the sump gasket as he had to drain the oil to allow for the air freight from Australia, and as the gasket came in an entire seals and gaskets set there are spare seals for all of the engine provided with it.
According to the seller it starts and runs perfectly.
If you can’t see the appeal of this motorbike then, quite simply, it’s not for you. If you can, then you’ll instantly spot all of The Great Escape references, from its knobbly tyres to its cross-taped headlamp and stealthy matt black paintwork.
Imagine riding up to the front of a café or a pub beer garden on it and the reaction you’ll get when you arrive.
It’s an absolute stunner, a guaranteed talking point and one of the coolest bikes we’ve ever seen.
*The photos in this listing have been provided by the seller*
Notice to bidders
Although every care is taken to ensure this listing is as factual and transparent as possible, all details within the listing are subject to the information provided to us by the seller. Car & Classic does not take responsibility for any information missing from the listing.
As is normal for most auctions, this vehicle is sold as seen, and therefore the Sales of Goods Act 1979 does not apply. All bids are legally binding once placed. Any winning bidder who withdraws from a sale, is subject to our bidders fee charge. Please see our FAQs and T&C's for further information. Viewings of vehicles are encouraged, but entirely at the sellers discretion.
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RESERVE LOWERED - 1961 BMW R50 Custom ‘Great Escape’
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