Last Call- Steve McQueen Was Even Cooler Than the Cold War Edition

That’s Steve McQueen and his stuntman pal, Bud Ekins during the 1964 International Six Day Trial motorcycle race, held in communist East Germany. Both Ekins and McQueen rode Triumph 650s, but the race ended badly for the actor when a spectator rode into his path causing a crash and wrecking the bike.
An excellent account of the ’64 ISDT can be found in the book Steve McQueen 40 Summers Ago.. . Hollywood Behind the Iron Curtain -by Rin Tanaka and Sean Kelly.
Image source: [Frank Melling via Motorcycle.com]

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6 responses to “Last Call- Steve McQueen Was Even Cooler Than the Cold War Edition”

  1. From_a_Buick_6 Avatar

    This is exactly why I want a new Triumph Bonneville. Well, except for the crashing part.

    1. Black Steelies Avatar

      +1 on the Scrambler. One of my favorite new bikes, cuz it looks classic

  2. BPR Avatar
    BPR

    This isn’t why I have an old Triumph Bonneville.
    Especially the crash.

  3. muthalovin Avatar

    Not to boast or anything, but my last name is Elkins. I have a great uncle who's first name is Bud. Yeah, that explains all my awesome.

  4. Tripl3fast Avatar

    Great, my "Epic" trip on a Moped to the IKEA seems a little "less" now that I read this. It did almost rain ya know.

  5. Miesha Haury Avatar

    Wow, don’t tell me thats not cool