View all newsletters
Have the short, sharp Spear's newsletter delivered to your inbox each week
  1. Luxury
  2. Art & Culture
December 2, 2014updated 11 Jan 2016 2:36pm

Harley-Davidson blessed by two Popes goes to auction

By Spear's

A Harley-Davidson motorcycle signed by Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI and presented to Pope Francis in a spectacular blessing ceremony will be sold by Bonhams in Paris this February.

The bike, part of the brand’s 110th anniversary celebrations, was one of two Harleys blessed with the Pope’s signature before he resigned due to ill health last year. It was also presented to the newly inaugurated Pope Francis in a ceremony in front of tens of thousands of Harley-Davidson enthusiasts in October 2013.

Ben Walker, International Director for Bonhams Motorcycle Department, said that the auction house expected the motorbike to generate “a lot of interest”, given its involvement in a pivotal period in the papacy of the Catholic Church.

The ‘holy Harley’ – a FLSTC 103 Heritage Softail Classic – is expected to sell for between £12,000 and £20,000. It will be auctioned in aid of the Polish charity Friendly World Association (Stowarzyszenie Przyjazny Swiat Dziecka), which provides care and support to children and families in need.

Bonhams’ Les Grandes Marques du Monde sale takes place February 5 at the Grand Palais in Paris.

Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI signature

Content from our partners
High-flyers: TAG Aviation explains that it's not about the destination, it's about the journey
Finding a purpose for family wealth during uncertainty 
Porto Montenegro: Adriatic Elegance Tailored to You

Select and enter your email address The short, sharp email newsletter from Spear’s
  • Business owner/co-owner
  • CEO
  • COO
  • CFO
  • CTO
  • Chairperson
  • Non-Exec Director
  • Other C-Suite
  • Managing Director
  • President/Partner
  • Senior Executive/SVP or Corporate VP or equivalent
  • Director or equivalent
  • Group or Senior Manager
  • Head of Department/Function
  • Manager
  • Non-manager
  • Retired
  • Other
Visit our privacy policy for more information about our services, how Progressive Media Investments may use, process and share your personal data, including information on your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications.
Thank you

Thanks for subscribing.

Websites in our network