Steve McQueen's Desert Racer motorcycle is to be built and sold in the UK. The Métisse Desert Racer, a replica of one of McQueen's own bikes that he adapted with Bud Ekins - the stunt rider in The Great Escape - will be made by Oxfordshire-based Métisse Motorcycles, produced with the full endorsement of the McQueen estate.

Only 300 of the motorcycles will be built, with as many details recreated as possible. The frames are chrome-moly nickel plated and the motorcycles have a fully reconditioned period Triumph TR6 engine complete with a single Amal carburettor. They also include styled footrests made to McQueen’s preferred design. Each bike features McQueen’s signature on the tank badge and comes with a certificate of authenticity.

29 years after his death, Steve McQueen remains an iconic figure, epitomising the essence of cool. His passion for motorcycles was well known and inspired the owner of Métisse Motorcycles, Gerry Lisi to recreate McQueen’s favourite bike.

“The Desert Racer is such an iconic motorcycle that when I took over Métisse via the Rickman brothers, I was determined to bring it back into production and use traditional methods to ensure that it is as close to the original bike as possible," said Lisi

After three years in development, the Métisse Desert Racer was first unveiled at Motorcycle World at Beaulieu last year. The first buyer of the £13,000 bike was Steve McQueen’s son Chad.

The Steve McQueen Métisse Desert Racer is on sale now.

For more information: www.metisse-motorcycles.com