Elvis and Triumph - two legends come together
Jerry Schilling riding his Triumph Bonneville (1965).
Photo: Autoren-Union Mobilität/Triumph
Elvis Presley's original cheques für nine Triumph motorcycles.
Photo: Autoren-Union Mobilität/Triumph
One of a kind: Custom Triumph T120 "Elvis Presley".
Photo: Autoren-Union Mobilität/Triumph
One of a kind: Custom Triumph T120 "Elvis Presley".
Photo: Autoren-Union Mobilität/Triumph
One of a kind: Custom Triumph T120 "Elvis Presley".
Photo: Autoren-Union Mobilität/Triumph
One of a kind: Custom Triumph T120 "Elvis Presley".
Photo: Autoren-Union Mobilität/Triumph
Elvis Presley's original cheques für nine Triumph motorcycles.
Photo: Autoren-Union Mobilität/Triumph
Recently rediscovered original checks prove: In 1965, Elvis Presley gave each member of his group of friends, the "Memphis Mafia," a Triumph for joint outings. The British brand and the Elvis Presley Charitable Foundation want to find out what happened to the nine motorcycles with the help of music and motorcycle fans.
As a passionate biker, the King of Rock'n'Roll rode a motorcycle in many of his more than 30 films, including a Triumph 650 Bonneville "Desert Sled" in red and silver in the comedy "Stay Away Joe" (1968). The relationship between Elvis and Triumph began three years earlier.
In June 1965, the music legend was in front of the camera for the musical "Frankie and Johnny" at the Samuel Goldwyn Studios in Hollywood. He often spent breaks from filming with his closest friends, known as "The Memphis Mafia," at his home in Bel Air in East Los Angeles.During this time, "Mafia member" Jerry Schilling shifted to the motorcycle dealership Robertson & Sons on Santa Monica Boulevard. There, Schilling put a down payment on a new Triumph T120 650 Bonneville. When Schilling brought the bike home, Elvis asked his friend to take it for a spin around Bel Air. The King was immediately enthusiastic and after the ride asked his "travel manager" Alan Fortas to get motorcycles for all the guys.
No sooner said than done: That same day, Robertson & Sons delivered seven 650cc Triumphs - both the TR6 and the powerful T120 with twin carburetor engine.The gang of rockers rode through Bel Air together until late at night - and only stopped again when the neighbors complained to the police. The two missing bikes arrived two days later, and the nine friends used the time after filming to explore the hills around Los Angeles and the panoramic road of the Pacific Coast Highway together on Sundays.
The story about the nine motorcycles was long considered a myth. But an archival find from Elvis' Graceland residence - the original checks made out to Robertson & Sons, signed by the musician himself - now confirms Jerry Schilling's recollection: "Elvis loved motorcycling and I knew that when he saw my new Bonneville, he wanted to try it out (...) When he saw it, he wanted all the guys to have one so we could tour together!"
The Bonneville T120, famously named after Triumph's multiple speed records on the Bonneville Salt Flats, is considered iconic in the motorcycle world. It helped TRIUMPH to pole position in performance, handling and style in the 1960s. Built in 1964 for the U.S. market, the "Bonnie" had higher handlebars and is now a desirable classic.
All nine original motorcycles are currently considered lost - there are no official records of where they ended up after the summer of 1965. Triumph is now calling on fans around the world to help clarify the whereabouts of these motorcycles. Triumph will accept any relevant information at the e-mail address elvistriumph@triumphmotorcycles.com.
Triumph and Elvis Presley Enterprises are celebrating the fact that the legend has been proven true with a unique custom motorcycle. The one-off is a custom-built, brand new T120 with a design by US artist J Daar. The look of the bike is inspired by the Memphis Mafia models, the "Desert Sled" from the Elvis movie "Stay Away Joe" and the black leather outfit the King wore on stage during his comeback special in 1968. The bike features gold block letters depicting Elvis' name in illuminated script, as well as silhouettes on a red background reminiscent of the comeback performance. At the same time, U.S. guitar maker Gibson is releasing a matching special edition of its Les Paul guitar, which also reflects this design .During rehearsals for his 1968 comeback concert, Elvis played on a Les Paul, which he later gave to his cook. The design of the Gibson shines just like the bike with red, silver and gold tones, the body shows the Elvis lettering and silhouettes of the King.
Both the bike and guitar have been donated to the Elvis Presley Charitable Foundation, which will sell the two one-of-a-kind items at a live auction at Graceland (www.graceland.com). Proceeds from the event will go to Goodwill Homes. This charity was close to Elvis' heart during his lifetime; it provides counseling and other assistance to abused children and their families. (aum)
More info for topic: Triumph Bonneville , ELVIS
Share this article:
Images of article
Elvis Presley in „Stay away Joe“ (1968).
Photo: Autoren-Union Mobilität/Triumph
Download:
Elvis Presley in „Stay away Joe“ (1968).
Photo: Autoren-Union Mobilität/Triumph
Download:
Elvis Presley in „Stay away Joe“ (1968).
Photo: Autoren-Union Mobilität/Triumph
Download:
Elvis Presley in „Stay away Joe“ (1968).
Photo: Autoren-Union Mobilität/Triumph
Download:
Jerry Schilling riding his Triumph Bonneville (1965).
Photo: Autoren-Union Mobilität/Triumph
Download:
Elvis Presley's original cheques für nine Triumph motorcycles.
Photo: Autoren-Union Mobilität/Triumph
Download:
One of a kind: Custom Triumph T120 "Elvis Presley".
Photo: Autoren-Union Mobilität/Triumph
Download:
One of a kind: Custom Triumph T120 "Elvis Presley".
Photo: Autoren-Union Mobilität/Triumph
Download:
One of a kind: Custom Triumph T120 "Elvis Presley".
Photo: Autoren-Union Mobilität/Triumph
Download:
One of a kind: Custom Triumph T120 "Elvis Presley".
Photo: Autoren-Union Mobilität/Triumph
Download:
Elvis Presley's original cheques für nine Triumph motorcycles.
Photo: Autoren-Union Mobilität/Triumph
Download: