Elvis Tribute Triumph and Gibson guitar fetch $20,000 for charity
A one-of-a-kind ‘Elvis Presley’ Triumph Bonneville with a matching Gibson Les Paul guitar recently sold for $20,000 at the Amelia Island Auction on February 29. The auction was in aid of the Elvis Presley Charitable Foundation, which carries on Elvis’ legacy by supporting numerous charitable causes.
The 2024 Triumph Bonneville T120 features a custom design by award-winning custom artist J Daar. It is inspired by the original ‘Memphis Mafia’ Triumphs and the Bonneville Desert Sled 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 was introduced to Triumph motorcycles in 1965 while taking a break from filming and spending time with his 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 neighbourhood. 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 delivered seven Triumphs that night. Elvis and his friends rode together around Bel Air late into the evening, only stopping when neighbors called the police to complain.
“This lot has clearly been a huge hit with Elvis and motorcycle fans, raising a fantastic figure for good causes,” says 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.”
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.
“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,” adds 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.”
