Hey folks, grab your leather jackets and turn up the volume because we've got some rockin' news! A 'King of Rock 'n' Roll' special – an Elvis Presley-inspired Triumph Bonneville motorcycle and a slick matching Gibson Les Paul Guitar – has just hit the road after being auctioned for a cool $20,000 at the Amelia Island Auction by Bonhams|Cars on 29th February.
Now, you might be wondering, "What's the big deal?" Well, this ain't your average motorcycle and guitar combo. This is the 'Elvis package', a unique T120 model Triumph Bonneville custom-designed by the talented J Daar, paying homage to the original 'Memphis Mafia' Triumphs and the Bonneville Desert Sled from the 1968 Stay Away, Joe movie. The bike also channels the spirit of Elvis' iconic 1968 Comeback Special, with a flashy red, silver, and gold ensemble.
This two-wheeled beauty first strutted its stuff at the 2023 Barber Vintage Festival in Birmingham, Alabama, and since then, it's been hogging the spotlight at the Presley Motors Automobile Museum at Graceland. Imagine cruisin' down the boulevard with this bad boy – you'd be the envy of every Elvis and motorcycling fan out there!
Now, let's rewind a bit to the roots of this extraordinary duo. Elvis Presley, the man himself, wasn't just a king on stage; he was also a motorcycle enthusiast. Back in 1965, during a break from filming, Elvis got hooked on Triumph motorcycles. His buddy Jerry Schilling ordered a new Triumph T120 Bonneville, and Elvis, after a spin around the block, decided, "Order one for all the guys, but...it has to be tonight!" Imagine the scene – motorcycle dealers Bill Robertson & Sons hustled, and that very night, seven Triumphs rumbled into Bel Air. They tore up the streets until the neighbours, not fans of the late-night revving, called the police.
But wait, there's more! The cherry on top is the customised Gibson Les Paul Guitar that came with the motorcycle, courtesy of Gibson. Also decked out by J Daar, this six-string wonder is a nod to Elvis' '68 Comeback Special rehearsals when he generously gifted a Les Paul to his chef. Now, that's a gift you wouldn't trade for all the peanut butter and banana sandwiches in the world.
Triumph Motorcycles Chief Commercial Officer, Paul Stroud, couldn't contain his excitement, stating, "This lot has clearly been a huge hit with Elvis and motorcycle fans, raising a fantastic figure for good causes." You bet, Paul – a unique T120 and a killer Les Paul, who wouldn't want a piece of that rock 'n' roll history?
Dana Carpenter, Executive Vice President at Authentic Brands Group, the brains behind Elvis Presley Enterprises, chimed in, saying, "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." It's not just about the bike and the guitar; it's about keeping Elvis' legacy of generosity alive and kickin'.
So, there you have it, mates – a thrilling ride through the world of Elvis, motorcycles, and guitars, all for a good cause. Let's keep the rock 'n' roll spirit alive and give a round of applause for the generous bidders who made it happen. May the wind always be at their backs and the music forever in their hearts!
