Elvis-Themed Triumph Motorcycle & Gibson Guitar SOLD for Good Cause

Motorcycle.com Staff
by Motorcycle.com Staff
Photo credit: Triumph Motorcycles

A one-of-a-kind Triumph Bonneville motorcycle and a matching Gibson Les Paul guitar, both featuring designs inspired by Elvis Presley, were sold for $20,000 at the Amelia Island Auction by Bonhams|Cars on February 29, 2024. The proceeds from the sale were donated to the Elvis Presley Charitable Foundation, which supports various charitable causes.

Design Inspiration and Historical Significance

The motorcycle, a T120 model, was designed by artist J Daar. Its custom design draws inspiration from the 'Memphis Mafia' Triumphs and the Bonneville Desert Sled from the 1968 film "Stay Away, Joe", as well as the color palette of Elvis's 1968 Comeback Special. The motorcycle was first presented at the 2023 Barber Vintage Festival in Birmingham, Alabama, and is displayed at the Presley Motors Automobile Museum at Graceland. Elvis Presley's introduction to Triumph motorcycles occurred in 1965, leading to his purchase of several bikes for his close friends, showcasing his love for motorcycling and his generous nature.


The auction also included a Gibson Les Paul guitar, customized by J Daar and donated by Gibson. The guitar's inclusion was motivated by a gesture of Elvis's generosity, where he gifted a Les Paul guitar to his chef during the '68 Comeback Special rehearsals.

"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."


This article was co-written using AI and was then heavily edited and optimized by our editorial team.

Motorcycle.com Staff
Motorcycle.com Staff

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