The Legend of Steve McQueen; AKA

"The King of Cool"

Ask the petrolheads amongst us – at least those who have attained a certain age – what movie contains the ultimate driving scene, and the answer is likely to be the chase scene in the 1968 film Bullitt. This incredible sequence features Steve McQueen in his ’68 Mustang GT Fastback as he chases the baddies in their wicked Dodge 440 Magnum Charger up and down the hills of San Francisco. It of course ended rather badly for the two ne’er-do-wells, but Bullitt remains unparalleled as far as I am concerned when it comes to cinematic chases.

Gone in 60 Seconds? Please. But I will say that John Frankenheimer’s 1989 Ronin had some fantastic shots as did his 1966 Grand Prix. James Garner played the lead role in Grand Prix after it was turned down by his good friend – you guessed it – Steve McQueen. The two pals first worked together in the wonderful The Great Escape and it was upon first seeing this movie when I was in my early teens, that I saw for myself why McQueen was revered as the "King of Cool".

I still get goose bumps watching McQueen’s character – Hiltz – riding through the alps on his stolen German motorcycle. The fact that it was actually a Triumph does nothing to ruin the experience for me and despite having seen the film dozens of times, I still feverishly  hope against hope that, this time, Hiltz makes it over that last fence to speed off to freedom.

A quick side note, Flight Lieutenant Wally Floody, a Canadian World War II pilot who was imprisoned in the Stalag Luft III prison camp, and who was instrumental in organizing the digging of the escape tunnel and the escape operation, served as a principal advisor to the film makers. I think this is why the film comes across as genuine and realistic and that, backed with a stellar line of actors, makes this one of my all-time favourite movies.

In real life, McQueen was an adrenaline junky and was famous for racing Porches. He also loved motorcycles and had a special affinity for Triumph Bonnevilles but was also very much into off-road riding. This comes through loud and clear in the documentary film On Any Sunday. Filmed in 1971, it features world champion flat-tracker Mert Lawwill and legendary off-roader Malcolm Smith.

Steve McQueen is featured prominently as well and it shows him to be just another typical motorcycle nut who likes to challenge himself with some severe off-roading and endurance riding. Watching him pound his Husqvarna dirt bike through the desert, it’s hard to believe that at the time, he was probably the biggest box office draw in Hollywood.

If you’re too young to remember the booming motorcycle community back in the day, or if you just want to relive a bit of the glory days, I highly recommend you check out On Any Sunday. You can usually find it on Youtube or other streaming sites.

Testimonials

We're not ones to toot our own horn, but we certainly love to hear from our clients when they are pleased with our work. Duane recently took possession of one of Ken's Dnepr's and was gracious enough to leave these kind words on our Facebook page.

Customer Corner

It's all thumb's up for Joey as he sets out on his new Ural Patrol.

Clarke picked up his new Lees-ure Lite trailer recently. A perfect match for his Spyder!

This very sharp Burgandy Satin Ural cT is ready to go home with its new owners!

Here's another couple of happy campers thanks to oVc and Lees-ure Lite Trailers!

Congratulations to Wendy and Don (and their furry little friend) on taking delivery of their new Lees-ure Lite camping trailer!

We're always thrilled to see a classic like this Honda Scrambler come through the front door. If you own a classic, you probably already know that most dealerships want no part of working on older bikes. Well, you can rest easy knowing that oVc can help you keep your vintage machine running in tip top shape!

The oVc School of Sidecars is now in session! Ken provides free instruction for all new sidecar pilots when they take possession of an oVc Ural or new sidecar installation.

Ken is always on the lookout for parts for his latest project - a 1948 step-through Cushman Turtleback scooter. Be sure to send any leads for Cushman parts his way!

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