Triumph Steve McQueen T100 Bonneville released
Only 1100 McQueen tribute triumphs are produced under an agreement with the deceased actor's estate.
Why the Germans in The Great Escape rode British bicycles has never been explained. But the film - and Steve McQueen's performance - are recognized as classics.
And now British motorcycle company Triumph has paid homage to the 1963 film by releasing a limited edition Steve McQueen T100 Bonneville in Australia next year.
The late actor played in the film an escaped American prisoner of war on a post-war Triumph TR6 bike, who was pursued by German soldiers on British bikes of the same era, rather than wartime BMWs.
The reason for later British bicycles has never been fully explained, although it is believed that McQueen demanded the use of Truimphs because he owned and competed on them.
At the end of the scene, McQueen's character, Captain Virgil Hilts, jumps over a barbed wire fence in an attempt to break free in neutral Switzerland.
While McQueen was a competent motorcycle rider and represented the US in the 1964 Six Day Enduro World Championship, the jump was actually performed by stuntman and good friend Bud Ekins.
McQueen did most of the jumping in the scene, but the jump was deemed too dangerous for the movie star.
Only 1100 McQueen tribute triumphs are produced under an agreement with the deceased actor's estate.
Bonnevilles feature a military-style matte khaki paint job, vintage-style Triumph stenciled tank decal, and the actor's signature on the side caps.
It will be available in Australia in July 2012, but pricing has yet to be announced, although they are expected to cost more than the standard T100 at $13,990.
Each bike is individually numbered with a plaque on the handlebar clip, and owners will receive a certificate of authenticity.
They are similar to the bikes used in the film, with a single seat, skid plate, and many blacked out components, including rims and hubs, headlight, handlebars, rear springs, trunk, mirrors, and front fender mounts.
