The world’s strangest Harley-Davidson vehicle was on display owned by a guy from Petaluma, California—a little white open car with an early Harley engine in it made in Milwaukee and San Francisco for a World’s Fair. Willie G. Davidson said when he saw it his grandpa had mentioned it, but he knew nothing about it. One thing for sure, it is an extremely rare Harley-Davidson product. Whether it was American, European, or Japanese bikes of any era you are interested in, there was surely something to satisfy you on display. You’ve just got to see it for yourself to believe it.

Roaming the area were motorcycle legends like 1969 A.M.A. Grand National Champion and star of On Any Sunday, Mert Lawwill, 1972 Daytona 200 winner on the smallest bike ever (350cc Yamaha) Don Emde, and inventor of the Windjammer Fairings and the now revered 1972 Triumph X-75 Hurricane, Craig Vetter to name a few. At the Quail, it’s not just the bikes you run into that can surprise you, but the stars, past and present, associated with them too.

Also held at the Quail Lodge in conjunction with the Gathering was the traditional yearly Bonhams Company auction of motorcycles and motorcycling memorabilia. The auction began at 1PM and continued until the last bike was sold. Included in the price of admission was a delicious lunch for spectators and participants. This year’s highlight was the auction of legendary icon Steve McQueen’s 1971 Husqvarna 400 Cross he rode shirtless onto the cover of Sports Illustrated magazine. The rare bike was sold for a record breaking $144,500. Not too far behind was a 1925 BMW R32 that sold at $139,000. On an interesting note, replicas of the famous Captain America and Billy Bike once owned by the late Otis Chandler sold for $52,650 and $24,570 respectively. Bidders apparently thought Peter Fonda’s ride was twice the bike the late Dennis Hopper’s was. Also there was a donated Valentino Rossi-signed R1 replica of his Yamaha GP racer with the proceeds going to the Riders for Health charity.

Only three-years-old and already there is no doubt that The Quail Motorcycle Gathering ranks right up with the best motorcycle shows in the world if not the best. And, it gets better and better every year. Although the date for next year’s event has not been set in stone yet, just be sure to keep the month of May open because this is definitely a must-attend event for a motorcyclist if there ever was one. BM