Scott 1938 Flying Squirrel Ex-Steve McQueen 498 cc 3507

Scott 1938 498 cc “ Flying Squirrel” Ex-Steve McQueen water cooled two stroke twin combination frame # 4520M engine # DPZ4578

Bradford-born Alfred Angas Scott’s experiments with two-stroke motorcycle engines began in the closing years of the 19th century. The first complete Scott motorcycle followed in 1908, its twin-cylinder engine, two-speed foot-change gear and all-chain drive marking it out as an exceptionally advanced design for its day. Light weight, ample power and sure-footed handling thanks to a low centre of gravity were Scott virtues right from the outset. Like its major rivals, Scott was well aware of the publicity value of racing and the allure of models with a TT connection, so the adoption of an optional full-frame tank, like that of the works racers, for the new Flying Squirrel was not surprising. Launched at the Olympia Show in 1925, the ‘Flying Squirrel’ came in 498 cc and 596 cc capacities, the latter being the most expensive machine in the range. In the 1930s the ‘Flyer’ took on more of a touring role, being further updated with detachable cylinder head, Brampton forks and a foot-change gearbox.
A contemporary brochure states the power output at 2,500 rpm as 14 hp; when the engine is revolving at 5,000 the output is a strong 26 hp. A warning about the Flying Squirrel’s power is also given: “The speed of a Scott is deceptive, owing to the smoothness, silence and even exhaust note, and new riders are advised in their own interests to keep an eye on the speedometer until they have become accustomed to the effortless power and their command.”
An older restoration, the Scott Flying Squirrel combination we present here is ex-Lot 555 in the 1984 Steve McQueen estate sale. It comes with a laminated Certificate of Authenticity.
Steve McQueen’s lifelong involvement with, and passion for, motorcycles was a major factor in the public’s perception of him as the ‘King of Cool’. Indeed, McQueen’s doomed bid for freedom aboard a twin-cylinder Triumph motorcycle in the movie The Great Escape is one of the best know scenes of his acting career. Not merely a collector of fine and rare motorcycles, Steve McQueen was a keen participant in the sport he held dear. Like many American enthusiasts, McQueen loved to ride the dirt and even went so far as to enter the International Six Days Trial in East Germany in 1964, when he formed part of the official USA Vase A team alongside his friend, dirt-riding legend Bud Ekins. Friendly rivalry with fellow enthusiast Bud Ekins was one of the factors that spurred on McQueen the collector, and by the time he died in November 1980 Steve had amassed more than 200 machines, the vast majority of which was sold at the McQueen estate auction held in Los Angeles in November 1984.
A former owner was informed by McQueen’s son that his father had used the outfit regularly for local errands near his home.

Video: https://youtu.be/MI4N3vd2Plk