1990 HARLEY-DAVIDSON SOFTAIL HERITAGE 1340 « LAURA EYES »

French title
Frame n° 1HD1BJL49LY022439

• Johnny Hallyday’s most famous motorbike
• Exceptional history
• Unique model

In 1989, Johnny Hallyday made the decision to cross America from Miami to Los Angeles with a group of friends. This took place between 25 February and 17 April in 1990. Arriving in Miami on the day of departure, 25 February, the bikers took delivery of five motorbikes from the dealer Peterson. Thanks to Patrice Gaulupeau, his cameraman, and Tony Franck, his photographer, there are some superb photographs and a well- known film of this great road trip, full of surprises as they crossed the continent, that has been hugely appreciated by his fans. Johnny chose a splendid Softail Heritage in orange and black, the subject of many famous photographs. Following the trip, this splendid machine was brought to France, where it was registered with the help of Jean Basselin, who was close to the star. Johnny liked to use his bike during holidays at his Hollywood-style villa La Lorada in Saint-Tropez. At the end of 1994, the new boss of Universal, Pascal Nègre, decided to offer Johnny a gift, making the easy decision that this should be a special Harley. This made a big impact on the man who seen as an idol to so many youngsters. The famous orange and black Harley was sent to "Too Much Concept" in Cannes for a state-of-the-art transformation. On 31 January 1995, fresh from the workshop, Laura Eyes was presented to Johnny Hallyday by Pascal Nègre. Johnny fell head over heels in love with the bike, going so far as to have it sent to New Mexico for the filming of his new video ‘I can’t stop wanting you’ (Rough Town album). It became the mechanical star! On 5 June 1996, Johnny paid a visit to the "Too Much Concept" workshop, to have Laura Eyes refreshed so it could appear in his next concert at the Stade de France. On 5 June 1998, the big TF1 interview took place on the very spot where Johnny was to climb onto his bike during the concert. Superb photos were taken of this moment by his photographer Daniel Angeli. On 5,6 and 11 June 1998, Johnny filled the Stade de France and Laura Eyes became part of the legend, starring on the rock’n’roll song that everyone is now familiar with: Gabrielle! In conjunction with this event, a competition was launched to win Laura Eyes. For two months prior to the concerts, fans were asked one question a day about Johnny and the winner was the one to answer all the questions correctly. On the evening of 11 June, in his dressing room just before the concert, Johnny presented the bike to the current owner. He dedicated a copy of the Lorada Tour programme to him, writing "For Frédéric. Bravo for the bike and take good care of her...she’s called Laura Eyes !" Frédéric kept and scrupulously maintained the motorbike for 23 years. When anyone asked him about his bike, he always replied : "It’s not my bike, it’s Johnny’s!"
Laura Eyes is unique, having led two lives : it crossed the United States in 1990, taken on a 5000 km journey by Johnny who was passionate about the Great Outdoors. It then led a second life as Laura Eyes, a machine with sensual curves and painted the colour of Johnny’s eyes and those of his daughter Laura. This is the most famous, mythical, legendary Harley, applauded by 240 000 spectators attending Johnny Hallyday’s three famous concerts at the Stade de France in 1998. In short, as you will understand, a one-off opportunity.

© Fondation Angeli

The auction of this lot will take place on Friday 18 March 2022.
https://www.artcurial.com/fr/lot-1990-harley-davidson-softail-heritage-1340-laura-eyes-no-reserve-4134-187