The exclusive Triumph Bonneville T120 “Elvis Presley” – together with a matching Gibson Les Paul – was sold for 20,000$ (around 18,500€). The proceeds will go to the Elvis Presley Foundation.
A one-of-a-kind Triumph Bonneville ‘Elvis Presley’ motorcycle and matching Gibson Les Paul Guitar sold for US$20,000 (around €18,500) at the Amelia Island Auction held by Bonhams|Cars on February 29. The auction was held on behalf of the Elvis Presley Charitable Foundation, which perpetuates Elvis’ legacy of generosity by supporting numerous charitable causes.
This bike, a Bonneville T120 – the top of the ‘modern classics’ range – features a paint job by award-winning customization artist J Daar and is inspired by the original Triumphs of the ‘Memphis Mafia’ and the Bonneville Desert Sled that appeared in the 1968 film ‘Stay Away, Joe’. It is also influenced by the iconic look of the 1968 television show Elvis Comeback Special, in red, silver and gold.
The bike was unveiled at the 2023 Barber Vintage Festival in Birmingham, Alabama, and has since been on display at the Presley Motors Automobile Museum in Graceland.
The legendary musician and cultural icon was notoriously passionate about motorcycling. Elvis’ introduction to Triumph motorcycles took place in 1965, while he was taking a break from filming and spending time with his closest friends, known as the “Memphis Mafia”, at his home in Bel Air. His friend Jerry Schilling had ordered a new Triumph T120 Bonneville and Elvis borrowed it to ride around the neighborhood. He was so impressed that, when he returned, he asked his logistics manager, Alan Fortis, to “order one for each of them, but… it has to be tonight!” Dealers Bill Robertson & Sons managed to deliver seven Triumphs that night, and Elvis and his friends rode around Bel Air together until late, only stopping when the neighbors called the police to complain.
The matching Les Paul guitar, donated by Gibson, was also customized by artist J Daar and offered for sale together with the motorcycle. The choice of guitar was inspired by another example of Elvis’ generosity; when rehearsing for the ’68 Comeback Special, Elvis used a Les Paul, which he later gave to his ‘chef’.
“This lot has clearly been a big hit with Elvis and motorcycle fans, raising a fantastic sum to give to good causes,” said Paul Stroud, Commercial Director at Triumph Motorcycles. “The T120 and the look of the Gibson guitar, with custom designs by J Daar, are very original and a wonderful tribute to the legend.”
Dana Carpenter, Executive Vice President of Entertainment for Authentic Brands Group, owner of Elvis Presley Enterprises, added: “We are thrilled to partner with such an iconic brand as Triumph to bring this one-of-a-kind custom Bonneville T120 to life, while helping one of Elvis’ favorite charities. The additional generosity of our friends at Gibson for contributing a custom Les Paul guitar strengthens the legacy of generosity and community that Elvis Presley represented.”