Blog: A Look Back, Check out Marlon Brando's Vintage Harley-Davidson®

Harley-Davidson® fans, this is one to appreciate: Marlon Brando’s vintage 1969 FLH Electra Glide bike will be up for grabs on June 27 at Julien’s Auctions in Beverly Hills, California — and it’s expected to fetch a hefty price. (1)

A Cultural Icon

Some of you may remember “The Wild One,” (1) and more specifically, the scene in which Brando rides into a small town on his motorcycle practically oozing with coolness. The 1950s movie helped the legendary screen icon solidify his image as a bad boy. (2) That character trait is something that can be observed in some of his other films, such as the 1972 American crime film known as “The Godfather,” in which Brando played Don Vito Corleone (3) and “A Streetcar Named Desire.” (2)

Vintage Bike for Sale

Mark your calendars, because on June 27, one of bad-boy Brando’s personal motorcycles — a 1969 Harley-Davidson® Electra Glide — will be up for auction. This may be your only chance to get your hands on the very special vintage bike, and perhaps even ride like the original “Wild One.” (1) Based on pre-auction expectations, Autoevolution says the old-school model may sell for more than $100,000 (the starting bid). In fact, if you’ve got your eye on this beauty, you’ll likely pay somewhere between $200,000 - $400,000 (4) — and according to Darren Julien, president of the auction house, that number could go much higher. (1) After all, celebrity motorcycles from Jerry Lee Lewis and Buddy Holly sold for $385,000 and $450,000 respectively, so we can only imagine what Brando’s 1969 Harley® will fetch. (4)

The Details

If the vintage bike does catch your fancy, expect it to come with 3,859 miles, according to Autoevolution. (4) You can view it in-person at the Hollywood Legends Auction, located on the first floor of 9665 Wilshire Blvd — just across from Saks Fifth Avenue. The highly anticipated event will take place between June 26 and 27, (1) at which point you should be able to get more information regarding the actual state of the FLH Electra Glide. The lot number is #791, and rest-assured, the original DMV records will be included as proof that Brando became the bike’s new owner in 1970. (4) For more information, or to browse the vast collection of H-D® motorcycles at Adamec Harley-Davidson® of Baymeadows, Orange Park, Regency and St. Augustine, visit your dealer today. (2)