One of the iconic motorcycles that graced the silver screen in the cult classic Jack Nicholson film is poised to fetch a staggering half a million pounds at auction. The motorcycle, one of a pair of Harley Davidson choppers featured in the legendary drama, gained fame as the 'Captain America' bike in the film "Easy Rider."
Released in 1969, "Easy Rider" follows the journey of two bikers, portrayed by Peter Fonda and Dennis Hopper, as they traverse the United States from Los Angeles to New Orleans, smuggling drug proceeds. Throughout the film, the duo rides on striking, heavily customized Harleys, with one of them adorned in a stars-and-stripes paint job, famously ridden by Fonda's character.
Although the exact models used in the film varied from stock, they notably incorporated the iconic Panhead engine produced by the manufacturer between 1948 and 1965.
The 'Captain America' bike, crafted with meticulous detail in California by Cliff Vaughs and Ben Hardy, according to Fonda's vision, is now set to change hands for just the third time in history. Adorned with Fonda's signature on its petrol tank, the bike also comes with a letter of authenticity from the star himself, penned in 2003.
Originally gifted to actor Dan Haggerty in the 1970s, the bike underwent extensive restoration before being sold to a private collector in 2002. Subsequently, it found its place of honor in the US National Motorcycle Museum until 2013, before being auctioned off the following year.
In a recent auction held by Propstore Auctions, the iconic motorcycle attracted considerable attention, with the winning bid reaching a remarkable £235,000 ($300,000). Although a substantial sum, it marks a notable decrease from its previous sale price of over £1 million in 2014.
The legacy of "Easy Rider" and its iconic motorcycle endure, with the film recognized as a pivotal piece of counterculture cinema, earning nominations for Academy Awards and accolades at the Cannes Film Festival. The motorcycle's sale reaffirms its status as an enduring symbol of rebellion and freedom, firmly entrenched in cinematic history.