This book is the culmination of a four year search by Bud Ekins and Sean Kelly for a 1964 TR6SC Triumph. This search took them across the world, on the elusive trail of quite possibly one of the most historically important motorcycles; an ex-factory works Triumph, ridden by Hollywood’s favourite son, Steve McQueen, in the ISDT. As a participant in this demanding event, McQueen represented his country as a member of the first ever American team, and pushed himself to greater limits than ever before.

This incredible book includes fascinating historical documentation and ephemera about the ISDT event; original clothing worn by the team members as well as hundreds of never before seen photographs of the team. These images include the pre-race training in grueling Californian desert races; bike preparation in England before heading to East Germany and, of course, the Six Days event itself – the Olympics of Motorcycling.

The release of this book coincides with the 40th anniversary of the first ever American team taking part in this world class event. At a time when a Russian satellite orbited the earth, a US President had been assassinated with possible Eastern Bloc connections, two superpowers had engaged in a Nuclear Arms race, the cold war rage; and behind the Iron Curtain, in East Germany, communism reigned supreme. Five Americans, four desert racers and the biggest movie star of his time, stepped into this maelstrom to race motorcycles for the honor of America.

It was a dangerous place, and a dangerous time - so settle back, and enjoy their adventure, in the safe comfort of your home!


The book has been given licensing approval by the Roger Richman Agency, custodians of the McQueen Estate.

"The view of McQueen provided by a book called Steve McQueen, 40 Summers Ago... Hollywood Behind the Iron Curtain leaves no doubt that McQueen was an accomplished rider, a stellar sportsman and, just by the way, as tough as nails, even if it does tell you that it was Bud Ekins who actually made The Great Escape fence leap. Good stuff. 40 Summers Ago is the perfect size for a coffee table book, 11 inches tall by nine-and-a-quarter inches wide, and its hard cover and high-quality paper give it suitable heft."