A possible world record has been set for the sale of a Harley-Davidson. Although this wasn’t just any Harley; it was owned by Pope Francis.
In a bidding war that took six minutes, the Harley-Davidson Dyna Super Glide sold for $364,476, while a Harley leather jacket also sold for an astounding $86,829 at the sale which took place as part of Bonhams’ Les Grandes Marques du Monde sale at the Grand Palais in Paris yesterday (6 February).
The Super Glide, which features the Pope’s signature on its tank, was donated to the Pope by Harley-Davidson last year to mark the 110th anniversary of the iconic American brand. The leather jacket was also signed by the Pope.
Watched by a crowd of hundreds, the Harley-Davidson and the leather jacket were the first two lots of the 45-strong motorcycle sale to go under the hammer. Those watching erupted into applause when the hammer came down on the motorcycle after being won by a telephone bidder. The items were bought by separate bidders – with the motorcycle going to a private buyer in Europe, and the jacket to an overseas buyer.
Funds raised by the machine and the jacket will go towards the renovation of the Caritas Roma’s Don Luigi di Liegro hostel and soup kitchen based at Rome’s Termini railway station. The hostel opened 30 years ago to help the homeless, jobless and the poor, and the money raised by the Harley Davidson’s sale will allow it to continue to provide food and accommodation to more than 1,000 people in need every day.
Ben Walker, head of motorcycles at Bonhams, said he was thrilled with the result. “It has to be a world record for a 21st century Harley-Davidson and certainly for a Harley-Davidson leather jacket.”