Hendee & Nelson Mfg. Co. Silver King Velodrome Track Bicycle – McQueen
Hendee & Nelson Mfg. Co. Silver King Velodrome Track Bicycle – McQueen
Being an avid racer of both motorcycles and cars, it comes as no surprise that Steve McQueen added this vintage Hendee & Nelson single-speed velodrome track bicycle to his collection.
George Hendee was America’s first national cycling champion and dedicated himself to racing. In 1892, Hendee retired from racing and in 1896 Hendee & Nelson Manufacturing began building bicycles under the name of Silver King (for men) and Silver Queen (for women). In 1901, Hendee partnered with Carl Hedstrom to create the company that would become Indian Motorcycle (McQueen was a huge Indian aficionado).
This black Silver King bicycle (serial number 1596) features a custom, low-slung tubular handlebar, solid rubber tires mounted on wooden rims and a leather seat. McQueen added a whimsical piece of customization by mounting the steel shell of a 19th century lantern to the front of the bike. Included in the sale is a letter of authenticity signed by McQueen’s widow, Barbara McQueen, stating that this serial numbered Silver King bike was owned by Steve McQueen.
