Elvis Presley's 1976 Harley-Davidson Bicentennial 1200 FLH Electra Glide Motorcycle Purchased August 11, 1976, with Original ...

Description

Elvis Presley's Custom Harley-Davidson Electra Glide - A Ride Fit for The King!

Elvis Presley's 1976 Harley-Davidson Bicentennial 1200 FLH Electra Glide Motorcycle Purchased August 11, 1976, with Original Elvis Presley Title. VIN 2A43580H6. This 1976 Harley-Davidson 1200 FLH Electra Glide was purchased by Elvis Presley on August 11, 1976, just one year before his untimely death on August 16, 1977, from a Southern California Harley-Davidson dealer and was registered to his 845 Chino Canyon Road, Palm Springs, California address, also known as "Graceland West", before it was shipped to Graceland in Memphis, Tennessee. The bike is a limited-edition bicentennial FLH model, one of only 750 bicentennial editions believed to have been built. It boasts a numbers-matching air-cooled four-stroke, 1207cc engine and is clad in the same custom-painted blue-and-black color scheme it wore when Elvis owned it. Remarkably offered with the original California Elvis Presley "pink slip" title, his own personal set of keys and original owner's manual. While Harley-Davidson offered 1976 models in Birch White, Chestnut Brown, Black, Sequin Black Metallic, Vivid Blue, Brown, Red and Champagne Silver Metallic, Elvis had his own taste in style and preferred to customize some of his motorcycles, such as another FLH in his Graceland collection that dons a similar paint scheme but in red with cream accents. Just a mere 90 days before Presley's death in 1977, he sold this FLH back to a local Memphis, Tennessee Harley dealership and it eventually found its way into the hands of a hotel owner in Wildwood, New Jersey, who utilized the bike as a display piece to attract tourists. This motorcycle has also been on an extended public display as the cornerstone of a midwestern automobile museum's collection. While this extremely special vehicle from Elvis Presley's own belongings is probably not the kind of motorcycle to be used as a casual driver, if inclined, it has all the necessary accessories that round out the FLH as an excellent road-tripper. The Electra Glide comes standard with full-coverage fenders, lace-spoked wheels, hard, locking saddlebags, a rear luggage rack and a blackout finish on the engine, additions that were sure to have swayed Presley to make the purchase almost 50 years ago, and which now contribute to its positioning as a museum-worthy piece prepared to go the distance if ever given the chance.

While this Harley-Davidson is considered a prominent piece of Elvis' history, its detailed state of California issued documentation is what makes this motorcycle the ideal addition for collectors seeking verified and truly authentic Presley artifacts for their collection. This motorcycle is featured on pages 101-105 of the coffee table book Legendary Motorcycles: The Stories and Bikes Made Famous by Elvis, Peter Fonda, Kenny Roberts, and Other Motorcycling Greats by Basem Wasef (MBI Publishing, 2007). As cited in the book, "[Elvis] had a soft spot for traditional Harley-Davidson dressers. 'He Loved Harleys that were big and close to the ground.' Explains Ron Elliot, who maintained Elvis' fleet of bikes." The motorcycle exhibits surface scratches and some pitting to brightwork expected from a 50-year-old motorcycle. Sold in its display condition, with only 1,263 miles indicated on the odometer, and drained of fluids with battery removed. Motorcycle will require a service for road use. Measures 94.5" x 41" x 46". Dry weight is approximately 770 pounds. Vanity license plate and frame were added for display purposes. In addition to the original Elvis Presley California title, motorcycle comes with a current California title (for export purposes). Motorcycle is located in Beverly Hills, California, and special third-party shipping arrangements will apply. Comes with a COA from Heritage Auctions.

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.