Triumph TR6R From the Great Escape to Appear at Salon Prive Concours D'Elegance

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by Press Release

A 650cc 1962 Triumph TR6R used in the film The Great Escape will be shown in public for the first time since the movie was released, appearing at the Salon Privé Concours d’Elégance in late August.

Until now, the bike had been privately showcased at the Triumph Factory Visitor Experience. It is one of at least three TR6R models used in production of the 1963 Steve McQueen classic. While it is almost certain McQueen rode this particular motorcycle during the film, it’s unclear whether this was the same exact bike Bud Ekins rode as McQueen’s stunt double for the movie’s famous jump.

The Triumph TR6R will be competing in the Concours’ judging class for exceptional motorbikes from 1940 to 1979.

First Public Sighting Of Steve Mcqueen’s 650cc Triumph Motorcycle From The Great Escape At Salon Privé

A motorcycle famously ridden by silver screen icon Steve McQueen in The Great Escape is set to star in the Chubb Insurance Concours d’Elégance at Salon Privé on Thursday 30th August.

The 1962 650cc TR6R, which is presently on display at the Triumph Factory Visitor Experience at Hinckley in Leicestershire, has not been shown publicly since this celluloid classic was made in 1963. It is just one of a mouth-watering array of iconic motorcycles which will be vying for honours at Blenheim Palace across three classes.

An accomplished amateur racer on 2- and 4 -wheels, McQueen begged the film’s director John Sturges to let him perform the famous stunt which saw his character Virgil Hilts attempt to flee his pursuers by jumping across barricades and barbed wire from Germany into neutral Switzerland.

The film’s insurers wouldn’t allow it, so the task fell to the King of Cool’s great friend and sometime team-mate Bud Ekins instead. World War 2-era machine would not have been up to the task, so as many as three TR6Rs were aged to look the part and used for the rough stuff. The stunt entered into legend in an instant and helped cement the film’s legendary status.

The McQueen Triumph will be competing in Class B, with judging taking place on August 30. It will be on general display on Friday, August 31.

Salon Privé welcomes bike enthusiasts from all over the world to share their passion for classic motorbikes. Chubb Insurance Concours d’Elégance holds three classes for two-wheeled classics:

Class A: Exceptional Motorbikes 1900-1939

Class B: Exceptional Motorbikes 1940-1979

Class C: Exceptional Competition Motorbikes

Salon Privé will spring into action from 30th August to 1st September. Firmly established as the UK’s most exclusive automotive Garden Party and one of the longest-running and most successful motoring events in the UK, this year marks a particularly special milestone as the event moves to the foot of the Palace becoming the first event ever to be located on the famous Blenheim Palace Cricket Pitch.

Salon Privé showcases two Concours celebrations within the same event; firstly, the Chubb Insurance Concours d’Elégance on Thursday 30th August which is followed by Concours Masters Celebrates 70 Years of Porsche on Saturday 1st September. Boodles Ladies’ Day sits in the middle on Friday 31st August which has fast become a social highlight of the Summer Season.

For more information, please contact Gema Bernaldo de Quirós – gemab@salonpriveconcours.com

Tickets can be purchased via the website www.salonpriveconcours.com or by calling the Ticket Hotline: 0808 100 2205

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