Description
National Motorcycle Museum | Solihull, West Midlands
Viewing: Tuesday 25th March from 1pm
Auction: Wednesday 26th March from 9am
Location: National Motorcycle Museum, Coventry Road, Bickenhill, Solihull B92 0EJ
1973 Husqvarna CR450
'Husky's' famous early 1970s racer
Estimate
£3, 200 - £3, 800
Registration No: N/ A
Frame No: MK 09118
MOT: N/ A
Iconic 1970s two-stroke 450cc Motocrosser
Customer version of the championship winning bike
Model made famous in the classic film 'On Any Sunday' (1971)
Husqvarna was founded near the town Huskvarna, Sweden, in 1689 with the company starting out as a manufacturer of muskets and their logo still depicts a gun sight viewed from the end of the barrel. As with many motorcycle manufacturers, Husqvarna first began producing bicycles in the late 19th century but by 1903 they had begun manufacturing powered two-wheelers. By the 1970s they were mainly known for their off-road bikes, popular in Motocross and Enduro events. Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, Husqvarna was a dominant force in the motocross world, winning 14 motocross world championships in the 125cc, 250cc and 500cc divisions, 24 Enduro world championships and 11 Baja 1000 victories. Probably their best known model is the CR450 of the early 1970s, a firebreathing two-stroke ridden to world championship glory by Bengt Aberg and Heikki Mikkola and famously by Steve McQueen in 'On Any Sunday' (1971).
This authentically presented CR450 spent most of its early life in the US before being imported into the UK by a previous owner. Bought by the vendor a few years ago, in 2021 it was treated to a good service that included fork seals, new tyres, the frame was resprayed and new plastics fitted. Last ridden in 2022 at the Malle Mile race weekend, it will need some recommissioning before being used in anger again. An excellent example of a much sought-after model that will put a smile on the face of any rider.
** Bidding will take place live at the venue, online via our H&H website, by telephone and commission - T&Cs apply**
Parking and entry into the auction is free for auction attendees with a catalogue, available at the door.
