LOT 4

Sold in aid of the Elvis Presley Charitable Foundation 2024 Triumph T120 Bonneville Custom Elvis Presley Tribute Frame no. SMTD40HL1RTBN2423 Engine no. BD5248

Sold for US$23,000 inc. premium

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Lot 4

Sold in aid of the Elvis Presley Charitable Foundation
2024 Triumph T120 Bonneville Custom Elvis Presley Tribute

The Amelia Island Auction|29 February 2024, 12:00 EST|Fernandina Beach Golf Club

Sold in aid of the Elvis Presley Charitable Foundation
2024 Triumph T120 Bonneville Custom Elvis Presley Tribute
Frame no. SMTD40HL1RTBN2423
Engine no. BD5248

1,200cc liquid-cooled 8-valve parallel twin-cylinder engine
80PS/78.9bhp @ 6,550rpm
Six-speed gearbox
Tubular steel twin cradle frame
Wire wheels with alloy rims
41mm cartridge forks, twin shock absorbers
Twin 300mm front disc brakes, single rear disc brake

*Brand-new Model Year 2024 T120 Bonneville
*Motorcycle and guitar both with matching custom design scheme commissioned as part of collaboration between Triumph Motorcycles and Elvis Presley Enterprises
*Hand painted by renowned custom artist J Daar
*Originally unveiled and displayed by Triumph at the 2023 Barber Vintage Festival
*Currently displayed at Presley Motors Automobile Museum at Graceland

CELEBRATING A LEGEND

Elvis Presley is an enduring music legend and cultural icon. The best-selling solo artist in history and a prolific movie star, making 31 films during his career in Hollywood. He was also a passionate motorcyclist, riding bikes in several of his films including a red and silver Triumph Bonneville T120-TT 'Desert Sled' in the 1968 comedy western Stay Away Joe.

Elvis' introduction to Triumph motorcycles had come a few years earlier. In June 1965, Elvis was on the set of the musical Frankie and Johnny at Samuel Goldwyn Studios, Hollywood. Taking a break from filming, Elvis spent his down time with his closest friends, known as the 'Memphis Mafia', at his Bel Air home.

Jerry Schilling, friend of Elvis and member of his famous 'Memphis Mafia', ordered a new Triumph T120 Bonneville at Bill Robertson & Sons on Santa Monica Boulevard. When he brought the bike home, Elvis asked to take it for a ride around the neighborhood. Jerry, of course, obliged. 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!"

Bill Robertson & Sons managed to deliver seven Triumphs that night, a mixture of 650cc TR6s and the high-performance, twin-carburettor 650cc T120s. Elvis and his friends rode together around Bel Air late into the evening, only stopping when neighbors called the police to complain. The remaining bikes arrived two days later and the nine friends ensured they made the most of breaks from filming, riding the Pacific Coast Highway together on Sundays.

Named after Triumph's multiple land speed records set at the Bonneville salt flats, the Bonneville T120 is recognized across the motorcycling world as a genuine design icon, responsible for establishing Triumph as Number One in the '60s for performance and style.

THE MOTORCYCLE OFFERED

Featuring iconic '68 Comeback Special' design cues, this matching pair were designed by award-winning custom motorcycle artist J Daar and inspired the 'Memphis Mafia' Triumphs bought by Elvis for his closest friends, the Triumph Bonneville ridden in his 1968 movie Stay Away Joe and the Les Paul that he played during rehearsals for the '68 Comeback Special and later gifted to his chef.

This custom Bonneville T120 motorcycle and matching Gibson Les Paul guitar are offered for sale to raise money for the Elvis Presley Charitable Foundation who continue Elvis' legacy of generosity by supporting numerous charitable causes.

"We are excited to be partnering 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", said Dana Carpenter, Executive Vice President, Entertainment at Authentic Brands Group, owner of Elvis Presley Enterprises. "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."

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 1968 Stay Away Joe movie Bonneville, as well as being influenced by Elvis' most iconic 1968 Comeback Special look. The design features gold block lettering, representing Elvis' name written in lights, as well as silhouettes on a red background, echoing the set design of his most famous '68 Comeback Special performance. The bike was unveiled by Triumph USA Marketing Director, Adam VanderVeen at the 2023 Barber Vintage Festival in Birmingham Alabama, where it was on display at the 'Isle of Triumph' alongside a host of historic Triumph motorcycles.

The matching Les Paul guitar, donated by Gibson, was also customised by artist J Daar and is 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. The design adopts the same red, silver and gold livery as the motorcycle, as well as the prominent Elvis graphic and silhouettes of The King around the body.

Beth Heidt, Gibson's Chief Marketing Officer commented: "We have had the honor of working in partnership with the Elvis team to celebrate his legacy over many years, so when we heard that our friends at Graceland and Triumph were working together on a custom motorcycle to raise awareness and funds for a good cause, we wanted to join in honoring Elvis' spirit of generosity. This customized Gibson Les Paul model pairs perfectly with the amazing design scheme of the bike."

This represents a unique opportunity to own a stunning one-of-a-kind 'Elvis Presley' Triumph Bonneville motorcycle and a matching Gibson Les Paul guitar, both featuring an iconic design scheme.

Saleroom notices

Triumph Motorcycles will kindly transport the motorcycle to a (US) dealer of the buyer's choice and PDI/prepare the motorcycle.

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