Elvis Presley’s Last-Ever Harley-Davidson FLH
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Elvis Presley was an unapologetic gearhead. As famous as the King is for music, clothes, and epic performances, his cars and motorcycles deserve equal billing. Of the hundreds of motorcycles he bought in his time, this Harley-Davidson FLH 1200 Electra-Glide recently offered on eBay appears to be the very last one, acquired a year before his passing.
One of the Few He Kept
Elvis was famous for giving away all manner of cars and motorcycles. He didn’t keep a big collection for himself. And although it’s highly likely that, had he lived a little longer, this handsome FLH 1200 Electra-Glide would have ended up in the hands of either a lucky friend or a worthy charity, it stayed in his possession until shortly before he died.
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The bike is a continuation of the gorgeous ’65 Electra-Glide we featured recently - opens in new window or tab. in terms of styling. There is hardly a swoopy curve that isn’t accompanied by some equally swoopy chrome embellishment. In classic Elvis style, every option box is ticked.
On the mechanical side, the ‘65 model’s Panhead motor - opens in new window or tab. was in its last days. It would soon be replaced by the Shovelhead - opens in new window or tab., which lived on into the mid-1980s. It produced about more 10 horsepower thanks to its superior cylinder head design. But given its history, this particular FLH 1200 Electra-Glide may have not been started for decades.
Where Has It Been?
This machine was bought in September 1976 and registered to Presley’s residence in Palm Springs, Calif. Oddly, his middle name was misspelled on the ownership certificate as “Aeron” and not “Aaron.”
Shortly after, it was delivered to Graceland and repainted in the color it retains today. Then, shortly before Elvis was lost forever, it was sold to a local Harley-Davidson dealer in Memphis, Tenn. It had covered just 126 miles since he’d bought it.
From there, the FLH 1200 Electra-Glide was in private hands for a short time before being acquired by Dave Geisler, who operated the eclectic Pioneer Auto Show - opens in new window or tab. in Murdo, S. Dak. It appears to have stayed there on display until it was sold in 2019.
Is It a Bargain?
It’s difficult to consider a $600,000 motorcycle a good deal, but it sold in 2019 for $800,000 at GWS Auctions, which handles a lot of Elvis memorabilia. That sale included various Presley items that do not appear to accompany the H-D this time. Hence, it’s hard to value the FLH 1200 Electra-Glide, since there are no photos of Elvis with the motorcycle, although it does come with the original title, hand signed by the King himself.
There are so few documented ex-Elvis Harley-Davidsons outside of Graceland. Perhaps the pertinent question is: When will Elvis’s last Harley-Davidson next come up for sale, and what might it cost then?
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This article is meant to provide general guidance only. Automotive maintenance, repair, upgrade, and installation may depend on vehicle-specifics such as make and model. Always consult your owner's manual, repair guide for specific information for your particular vehicle and consider a licensed auto-care professional's help as well, particularly for advance repairs.