In 2019, the same Harley-Davidson was auctioned for more than 700,000 euros. Will she break that record this year?
The announcement was like a bombshell in the small world of vehicle auctions. In May, the Mecum Auctions company organizes the sale of a motorcycle that belonged to one of the greatest rock icons: Elvis Presley. More specifically, it is the very last Harley he bought Harley-Davidson FLH Bicentennial manufactured in 1976.
It didn’t last long in the collection the rock ‘n’ roll star. A year after his acquisition, in 1977, Elvis Presley actually died of a heart attack. His Harley was then sold to the owner of a New Jersey hotel, for advertising and marketing purposes rather than personal use.
One of the most famous Harley-Davidsons of rock ‘n’ roll
The history of this motorcycle is inextricably linked to that of rock ‘n’ roll and Elvis Presley. Furthermore, it’s this prestigious past that explains why it’s likely to sell for a price that’s rare to find for a motorcycle. Despite Harley-Davidson’s reputation, the American brand’s models are the most sold less than 100,000 euros.
There are some exceptions. Officially, the most expensive motorcycle ever sold at auction is a 1908 Harley-Davidson, one of the first in history. She left last February more than 860,000 euros. Elvis Presley’s 1976 FLH Bicentennial could be a close sell. In 2019 she had already come under the hammer for a short time more than 730,000 euros.
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A collector’s bike
Even if it hadn’t belonged to Elvis Presley, this Harley-Davidson would still be in high demand. It is one of 750 models specially designed to celebrate the year 200th Anniversary of the United States. In itself it is then already a collector’s vehicle. Before being sold in 2019, it had already been sold to its second owner in 1983 a museumthe Pioneer Auto Museum in Murdo, South Dakota.
Regarding its technical characteristics, it is equipped with a 1200cc engine. Its blue and black color was specially commissioned by Elvis Presley. Mecum Auctions, which is handling the sale this year, gave no value to the bike. However, given the price she had gone to in 2019, one can imagine that she will reach heights. The auction should therefore be observed closely.