Lot 448N
Signed by His Holiness, Pope Francis, and donated to the Pontifical Mission Societies, Sold for Charity,c.2016 Harley-Davidson 1,570cc Custom Cycle 'White Unique'
Registration no. not UK registered Frame no. WEGTPCW 16Z0037 Engine no. KBMC634113
Amended
20 October 2019, 11:00 BST
Stafford, Staffordshire County ShowgroundSold for £48,300 inc. premium
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Signed by His Holiness, Pope Francis, and donated to the Pontifical Mission Societies, Sold for Charity
c.2016 Harley-Davidson 1,570cc Custom Cycle 'White Unique'
Registration no. not UK registered
Frame no. WEGTPCW 16Z0037
Engine no. KBMC634113
c.2016 Harley-Davidson 1,570cc Custom Cycle 'White Unique'
Registration no. not UK registered
Frame no. WEGTPCW 16Z0037
Engine no. KBMC634113
• Unique customised Harley-Davidson
• Numerous gold-plated components
• Presented to His Holiness, Pope Francis in July 2019
The unique customised motorcycle offered here is the latest in a short succession of motorcycles and motor cars that have been donated to the Papacy and sold on for charity. In this case, the project began a few years ago when Dr Thomas Draxler, founder of the 'Jesus Bikers', suggested the idea to Karl Wallner, professor of dogmatics and then rector of the Philosophical-Theological University Heiligenkreuz in Lower Austria. Eventually the project was given the go-ahead and Christoph Repp, proprietor of Würzburg Village, the renowned Bavarian Harley-Davidson dealer, agreed to supply a suitable machine. Würzburg Village supported the construction of this very special Harley-Davidson and have assisted with the execution of the sale.
Würzburg Village then collaborated with the Jesus Bikers to produce this wonderful custom motorcycle. This unique machine features lots of details in Chicano style, numerous gilded parts, a pearly finish, and the largest signature of Pope Francis to date. The machine also features a Dorne wreath ornament on the fender, gilded rims, and a sunken cross. Christoff Repp and his painter went to Rome to obtain Pope Francis' signature, and the Harley was then taken back to Würzburg where it was presented to the public for the first time on 15th June 2019. The next part of the plan was to convey 'White Unique' to Rome as part of the Jesus Bikers' 'Peace Ride'.
On 29th June 2019 the Peace Ride commenced: a promotional trip organised by the Jesus Bikers, who had instigated the whole project. They escorted the Harley - called 'White Unique' or simply the 'Pope Bike' – together with a smaller group of motorcycles and their 40-ton truck, which served as protective storage for the machine. The promotional trip to Rome started in Würzburg and proceeded via Altoetting, Assisi, etc, and the Harley was duly handed over at the Vatican on 7th July 2019 at a ceremony in St Peter's Square.
Würzburg Village has since been tasked with caring for this unique motorcycle in the lead up to its sale at Bonhams' Autumn Stafford Sale. The proceeds of the sale are to benefit a mission to build an orphanage and a school in Uganda to provide shelter for abandoned and deprived children.
• Numerous gold-plated components
• Presented to His Holiness, Pope Francis in July 2019
The unique customised motorcycle offered here is the latest in a short succession of motorcycles and motor cars that have been donated to the Papacy and sold on for charity. In this case, the project began a few years ago when Dr Thomas Draxler, founder of the 'Jesus Bikers', suggested the idea to Karl Wallner, professor of dogmatics and then rector of the Philosophical-Theological University Heiligenkreuz in Lower Austria. Eventually the project was given the go-ahead and Christoph Repp, proprietor of Würzburg Village, the renowned Bavarian Harley-Davidson dealer, agreed to supply a suitable machine. Würzburg Village supported the construction of this very special Harley-Davidson and have assisted with the execution of the sale.
Würzburg Village then collaborated with the Jesus Bikers to produce this wonderful custom motorcycle. This unique machine features lots of details in Chicano style, numerous gilded parts, a pearly finish, and the largest signature of Pope Francis to date. The machine also features a Dorne wreath ornament on the fender, gilded rims, and a sunken cross. Christoff Repp and his painter went to Rome to obtain Pope Francis' signature, and the Harley was then taken back to Würzburg where it was presented to the public for the first time on 15th June 2019. The next part of the plan was to convey 'White Unique' to Rome as part of the Jesus Bikers' 'Peace Ride'.
On 29th June 2019 the Peace Ride commenced: a promotional trip organised by the Jesus Bikers, who had instigated the whole project. They escorted the Harley - called 'White Unique' or simply the 'Pope Bike' – together with a smaller group of motorcycles and their 40-ton truck, which served as protective storage for the machine. The promotional trip to Rome started in Würzburg and proceeded via Altoetting, Assisi, etc, and the Harley was duly handed over at the Vatican on 7th July 2019 at a ceremony in St Peter's Square.
Würzburg Village has since been tasked with caring for this unique motorcycle in the lead up to its sale at Bonhams' Autumn Stafford Sale. The proceeds of the sale are to benefit a mission to build an orphanage and a school in Uganda to provide shelter for abandoned and deprived children.
Footnotes
As with all Lots in the Sale, this Lot is sold 'as is/where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding.
Saleroom notices
The frame number is WEGTPCW00016Z0037.
Additional information
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