A MOTORCYCLE COLLECTION belonging to the late Bud Ekins, the stuntman that pulled off the infamous barbed-wire fence jump in the film 'The Great Escape', is to go up for auction on November 13th at the Petersen Automotive Museum.
Highlights from the collection include cars, motorcycles, personal never-before-seen photographs, trophies, posters, memorabilia, tools and racing jackets, as well as several items from Ekins' best friend and collaborator Steve McQueen.
Four- and two-wheeled machines on offer include several cars painted and pinstriped by famed Ekins employee Von Dutch and sidecars that were featured in classic films such as The Wild One, The Great Escape and Pearl Harbor. Highlights include:
- 1905 REO Roadster, painted by Von Dutch
- 1908 REO Tourer, painted by Von Dutch
- 1908 Delaunay-Belleville H4 Double Phaeton, ex-Bill Harrah, painted by Von Dutch
- 1915 Harley-Davidson 11F with Sidecar
- 1918 Cleveland Single
- 1925 Harley-Davidson JD
- 1936 Harley-Davidson VL Police
- 1937 Harley-Davidson UL
A preview of the Bud Ekins lot can be seen here.
In addition to the one-of-kind items from the Bud Ekins Collection, Bonhams & Butterfields will offer a diverse selection of motorcars and motorcycles from around the country. Two notable highlights include a 1961 Mercedes-Benz 190SL Roadster Convertible and a pristinely restored 1967 Volkswagen Samba 21-window Bus.
