Harley-Davidson Motorcycle Signed by Pope Benedict & Pope Francis To Be Sold for Charity

    TAMPA, FL, January 29, 2015 /24-7PressRelease/ -- A Harley-Davidson FLSTC103 Heritage Softail Classic that was blessed with the signatures of both Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI and Pope Francis will be sold for charity this year on February 5, 2015, as part of Bonham's Grand Palais auction in France. (1)

Harley-Davidson of Tampa, Brandon, New Port Richey, Tallahassee, and Panama City Beach are pleased to share the news as the cruiser will be offered as part of the Bonhams' Les Grandes Marques du Monde sale at the Grand Palais in Paris, entered at no reserve for an estimated EUR15,000-EUR25,000 (approximately GBP11,800-GBP19,700 or $18,000-$31,000). (1)

A couple of years ago, in anticipation of Harley-Davidson's 110th anniversary celebration, the manufacturer had not one, but two commemorative gasoline tanks presented to Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI to be signed and returned to the U.S. Once the tanks arrived at H-D's American headquarters, they were mounted to their respective motorcycles. Of the two unique bikes, one remains in the H-D museum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA. (1)

The second Harley-Davidson motorcycle, which is set to be auctioned next year, received a second blessing - that of the signature of Pope Francis. The Pope blessed the special Harley-Davidson FLSTC103 Heritage Softail Classic cruiser along with thousands of H-D motorcycles and riders in Vatican City in 2013 as part of Harley-Davidson's 110th anniversary celebrations in Rome. (2)

Once sold, the proceeds of the unique Softail Classic motorcycle will be donated to Stowarzyszenie Przyjazny Świat Dziecka, or "Friendly World Association," an independent, non-profit Polish organization. The group provides care and support for both children and families in need. (1)

For updates on the auction, visit the Harley-Davidson of Tampa, Brandon, New Port Richey, Tallahassee, and Panama City Beach websites regularly. (2)

(1) "Pope Benedict XVI Harley-Davidson To Be Sold For Charity At Bonhams Paris Sale." Motorcycle.com. http://blog.motorcycle.com/2014/11/26/motorcycle-news/pope-benedict-xvi-harley-davidson-sold-charity-bonhams-paris-sale/

(2) "Harley-Davidson Gets Pope's Blessing For 110th Anniversary In Rome." Motorcycle Cruiser. http://www.motorcyclecruiser.com/harley-davidson-gets-popes-blessing-110th-anniversary-rome?dom=mcr&loc=rightrail&lnk=harleydavidson-gets-popes-blessing-for-110th-anniversary-in-rome

About Harley-Davidson of Tampa:

Harley-Davidson of Tampa offers motorcycle test rides, rentals and the Harley-Davidson Riding Academy where you can learn how to ride a motorcycle. Harley-Davidson of Tampa also has a full-service shop to get you back on the road as soon as possible.

To learn more, please visit http://www.TampaHarley.com/.

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