A one-of-a-kind ‘Elvis Presley’ Triumph Bonneville motorcycle and matching Gibson Les Paul Guitar has sold for $20,000 USD at the Amelia Island Auction held by Bonhams|Cars on February 29, 2024. The auction was in aid of the Elvis Presley Charitable Foundation, who continue Elvis’ legacy of generosity by supporting numerous charitable causes.
This motorcycle, a brand-new range-topping T120 model, features a custom design by award-winning custom artist J Daar and is inspired by the original ‘Memphis Mafia’ Triumphs and the Bonneville Desert Sled which featured in the 1968 Stay Away, Joe movie. It is also influenced by Elvis’ iconic 1968 Comeback Special look, featuring red, silver and gold.
The bike was unveiled at the 2023 Barber Vintage Festival in Birmingham Alabama and has since been on display at Presley Motors Automobile Museum at Graceland.
The legendary musician and cultural icon was famously passionate about motorcycling. Elvis’ introduction to Triumph motorcycles was in 1965 while taking a break from filming, and spending time with his closest friends, known as the ‘Memphis Mafia’, at his Bel Air home. Friend Jerry Schilling had ordered a new Triumph T120 Bonneville and Elvis took it for a ride around the neighborhood. Elvis was impressed, and when he returned, he told his transportation manager, Alan Fortis, to “order one for all the guys, but…it has to be tonight!” Motorcycle dealers Bill Robertson & Sons managed to deliver seven Triumphs that night, and Elvis and his friends rode together around Bel Air late into the evening, only stopping when neighbors called the police to complain.
The matching Les Paul guitar, donated by Gibson, was also customized by artist J Daar and was offered for sale with the motorcycle. The choice of guitar was inspired by another instance of Elvis’ generosity; when rehearsing for the ’68 Comeback Special, Elvis played a Les Paul, which he then gifted to his chef.
“This lot has clearly been a huge hit with Elvis and motorcycle fans, raising a fantastic figure for good causes,” said Paul Stroud, Chief Commercial Officer, Triumph Motorcycles. “The T120 and the Gibson guitar look, featuring custom designs by J Daar, look so distinctive and they are a wonderful tribute to the legend.”
Dana Carpenter, Executive Vice President, Entertainment at Authentic Brands Group, owner of Elvis Presley Enterprises added: “We are excited to partner with an iconic brand like Triumph to bring this one-of-a-kind custom Bonneville T120 to life while benefiting one of Elvis’ favorite charities. The added generosity of our friends at Gibson for contributing a matching custom Les Paul guitar, strengthens the legacy of generosity and community that Elvis Presley stood for.”
Source: Triumph
