Cleveland joined the motorcycle-manufacturing business in 1915 with two-stroke, single-cylinder engines, which carried on for nearly a decade. In 1925, a new smooth-running 600 cc four-cylinder, four-stroke engine designed by F.E. Fowler appeared. A three-speed transmission, an improved clutch and chain drive were used, with the transmission mounting the ignition magneto. The engine was mounted to the frame above the crankcase, blessing the “Fowler Four” with a very low center of gravity. Despite its promise, just 100 examples were built before a new 750 cc bike appeared.

This motorcycle was acquired by a prominent private collector in 2007, having previously formed part of the famed Otis Chandler Collection in California. At the time of its sale, it was purported to have formerly belonged to Steve McQueen, who purchased it at a swap meet in 1977. McQueen evidently left the motorcycle to his friend, legendary racer and stuntman Bud Ekins, who performed the famed motorcycle jump sequence in The Great Escape. Ekins then apparently sold it to Richard Morris in 1986, who commissioned its restoration, before it went to Otis Chandler and finally to the private collector. Auctions America by RM does not have conclusive proof of McQueen’s ownership, though the short ownership history from Ekins to Chandler certainly adds a great deal of credibility to the bike’s provenance. A high quality and well-preserved restoration in like-new condition, it is believed to be the sole complete example remaining today.