Peter Fonda's "Wyatt" iconic screen-used "Captain America" panhead chopper from Easy Rider. ...

Description

Peter Fonda's "Wyatt" iconic screen-used "Captain America" panhead chopper from Easy Rider. (Columbia, 1969) Peter Fonda and Dennis Hopper's landmark film Easy Rider was the third highest grossing film of 1969, earning Academy Award nominations for Best Writing and Best Supporting Actor (Jack Nicholson), quickly becoming the anthem for the Woodstock Generation's increasing disillusionment with government and the establishment. In the film, two free-wheeling hippie bikers, Wyatt (Fonda) and Billy (Hopper), travel through the American Southwest and South exploring the societal landscape, issues and tensions in the United States during the 1960s. Fonda's iconic red, white and blue stars and stripes panhead chopper, with chromed hardtail frame, was designed and built by two African-American chopper builders-Cliff Vaughs and Ben Hardy-following design cues provided by Fonda. The motorcycle measures 98 in. long and 60 in. high (at the top of the sissy bar) and weighs approximately 650 lbs. There were two Captain America bikes built and ridden by Fonda for the making of Easy Rider to ensure shooting would continue when mechanical issues would arise. In addition to this bike being ridden in the film, this bike was used in the climactic crash sequence at the end of the film. Following production, Fonda gave the motorcycle to fellow actor, Dan Haggerty, who helped maintain the motorcycles during the filming of Easy Rider. The whereabouts of the other Captain America bike is unknown. Prior to the film's release, that Captain America motorcycle was stolen and most likely broken down and sold for its parts. The crash bike was fully restored by Dan Haggerty and displayed for 12 years at the National Motorcycle Museum of Anamosa, Iowa. The motorcycle is accompanied by three signed letters of authenticity: 1) one from the National Motorcycle Museum signed by the museum's director, dated December 30, 2013, stating (in part): "The National Motorcycle Museum in Anamosa, Iowa has had on display the only remaining original Easy Rider Captain America Harley-Davidson that now exists This bike was the Captain America motorcycle that was in the final crash scene of the movie..."; 2) a letter from Peter Fonda, dated August 28, 2003, stating (in full): "Certificate of Authenticity I, Peter Fonda, 100% guarantee this to be the only, last, original, authentic 'Captain America' motorcycle from the 1969 movie 'Easy Rider.' This bike was built and ridden in order to switch back and forth due to the rigors of film production. This bike was also used in the crash sequence at the end of the movie. When filming was done, I gave the motorcycle to Dan Haggerty as a momento of his work on the film 'Easy Rider.' Dan later reassembled and restored the bike at his Woodland Hills, California home. No other authentic Captain America motorcycle exists. [signed] Peter Fonda"; 3) a signed letter of authenticity from Dan Haggerty, dated July 5, 2002, attesting to all the facts in the Peter Fonda letter as being true and accurate (as well as adding the VIN number). Not only does Fonda's Easy Rider Captain America remain as the single most famous motorcycle ever created, its very image symbolizes the counterculture movement the film inspired. Sold on a Bill of Sale. Worthy of inclusion in the finest museums and collections. Special shipping arrangements will apply.

Heritage Auctions provides as much information as possible but strongly encourages in-person inspection. Condition statements are offered as general guidance only, not as complete representations of fact, and do not constitute a warranty or assumption of liability by Heritage. Some condition issues may not be noted but may be visible in the photos, which are considered part of the condition report. Lots estimated at $1,000 or less are not de-framed for inspection, and we may be unable to provide additional details for lots valued under $500. Heritage does not guarantee the condition of frames and is not liable for damage to frames, glass/acrylic coverings, original boxes, display accessories, or artwork that has shifted in the frame. All lots are sold "AS IS" under our Terms & Conditions of Auction.