Evel Knievel’s iconic “Stratocycle” is going across the block at the Profiles in History auction, taking place in California from September 29 to October 1. The “Stratocycle” is the first Evel Knievel ridden movie bike to make it to auction. Below is the lot number and description as listed in the auction catalogue, including the estimated sale price for the bike.
“1374. Evel Knievel screen used Harley-Davidson XLCH 1000 Eagle “Stratocycle” from Viva Knievel! (Warner Bros., 1977) The
motorcycle, custom built on a modified 1976 Harley XLCH Sportster 1000, features a futuristic fiberglass fairing with integral wings, custom
exhaust ports, and sports a red, white and blue eagle-motif paint scheme. Ridden by Knievel in the daring rescue sequence when he breaks his
mechanic friend, played by Gene Kelly, out of the mental hospital. Its unique and dramatic appearance prompted a toy version of the Stratocycle
to be made by Ideal Toy Company (the most valuable and collectable of all Evel Knievel toys). The provenance of this motorcycle is exceptional:
it comes with original California registration card issued for (VIN# 4A20750H6) from “AMF Harley Davidson MTR Co.” to “Warner Bros.
Inc.” and an original invoice from Harley-Davidson Motor Co., Inc., dated 8-14-78, selling the motorcycle following the production to “Rich
Budelier Company” (the Los Angeles Harley dealership which provided the motorcycles for the film) with the following notation: “Used in Evil
[sic] Knievel Movie. To be sold for $500. No freight per Tom Bolfert…4A20750H6 Note 1976 bike.” (Tom Bolfert was the ex-head of archives
for the Harley-Davidson Motor Co.) The motorcycle has undergone cosmetic restoration; the Plexiglas windscreen and alloy wheels have been
replaced to bring it back to screen appearance. Measures 96 in. long x 60 in. wide x 54 in. tall. Sold on a Bill of Sale. This is the only known
film-used, stunt-ridden motorcycle by Evel Knievel to reach the auction block. Worthy of inclusion in the finest collections of Motorcycles and
Americana. $200,000 – $300,00”
As we’ve previously reported, the auction will also include the custom 1949 Triumph ridden by The Fonz in the TV series Happy Days and after some further investigation, we’ve also found they’ll be auctioning off an original General Lee from The Dukes of Hazard TV series – I feel like my childhood is flashing before my eyes. You can visit the auction website by clicking here to see what other treasures are scheduled for this sale, but I’ll warn you in advance, put your credit card somewhere far, far away.
