Elvis Presley and Les Paul rock! “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, Goodwill Homes Community Services in Memphis,” says Dana Carpenter, Executive Vice President, Entertainment at Authentic Brands Group, owner of Elvis Presley Enterprises. A custom Bonneville and matching Gibson Les Paul guitar help keep Elvis’ memory alive, adds Carpenter. “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.”
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. These included an original 1964 Bonneville T120 in the same gold color scheme as several of the bikes purchased by Elvis, which was entered into the VAHNA Motorcycle Show by owner Laura Langham.
Artist J Daar noted he was inspired by the 1964 Memphis Mafia bikes and 1968 Stay Away Joe Desert Sled, 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. “I was honored to pull the sheet off this amazing motorcycle. Tribute bikes are always special, but an homage to The King is one of the coolest projects I’ve worked on. This bike is something the new owner can be incredibly proud to have in their garage. Not only is it a unique design celebrating a great story, but it’s also a great way to raise money for such a worthy cause.”
The Bonneville and matching Gibson Les Paul guitar have been donated to the Elvis Presley Charitable Foundation to raise money for Goodwill Homes, a Memphis facility that provides counselling and services for abused children and their families that was one of Elvis’ favorite charities. More details about the auction will be available soon at:
www.Graceland.com