World Record Mcqueen Mini
WORLD RECORD McQUEEN MINI
How much is a gas tank worth? About $47,000—at least when it’s been painted and pinstriped by Kenneth “Von Dutch” Howard and attached to a 100cc dirt-bike once owned by Steve McQueen.
A 1970 Kawasaki Centurian (fair market value maybe $500) used by the late actor to bop around the Santa Paula airport was hammered down for a staggering $47,500 at the recent Bonhams &
Butterfields auction at the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles.
The only thing distinguishing this Centurian from any other was its fuel tank, which McQueen’s pal Von Dutch painted a bright orange with gold pinstripes and the name “RINGADINGDOO!” in big black letters. Barely visible above one of the pinstripes was the hand-painted inscription, “Done Up for Steve McQueen by Von Dutch.”
That was enough to ignite a bidding war that ended in what must be a world record for an early-Seventies dirtbike. Factor in a 17 percent buyer’s premium and the final tally was $55,575! —David Edwards
