Sold to an undisclosed buyer, Harley Davidson of Pope Benedict XVI was a 2013 1,690cc FLSTC Heritage Softail Classic. The proceeds were donated to Stowarzyszenie Przyjazny Swiat Dziecka (Friendly World Association), a non-profit organization that takes care of needy children and families.
As a part of 110th Anniversary celebrations, Harley Davidson had presented two fuel tanks to the then Pope, Benedict XVI, for signing on them. However, due to poor health, this was not possible and the signature was added on the tanks serigraphically. After this, the Harley Headquarters in the US. These tanks were then installed on two new Harley Davidson motorcycles, out of which one of them was to be sent back to the Vatican while the second held a place of pride at the Harley-Davidson Museum in Milwaukee. The motorcycle which was to be sent to Vatican, was to be presented to Pope Benedict XVI on the 110th anniversary of Harley Davidson.
However, due to unforeseeable circumstances, Pope Benedict XVI abdicated in January 2013. This turn of events saw Harley Davidson presenting the FLSTC 103 Heritage Softail Classic to the new Pope, Pope Francis at a ceremony in Rome in the presence of thousands of supporters.
Along with this, the new Pope was also presented with another Harley Davidson, FXDC Dyna Super Glide Custom which was duly signed by Pope Francis. It was auctioned by Bonhams in 2014. This motorcycle fetched €241,500 (Rs 2.05 crores). As it sported the real signature of the new Pope, it commanded such a high price.
Along with Pope’s signature, the motorcycles are also signed by Willie G. Davidson, grandson of founder of Harley Davidson, and a retired designer in the company. Both the Harley Davidson motorcycles with Pope’s signature come with a Papal Certificate and a Harley-Davidson Certificate of Conformity. The Papal Certificate is signed by Monsignor Zygmunt Zimowski, Pontifical Council for Health Care Workers.
