Guernsey’s Auction House will resurrect the aura of outlaw country megastar Waylon Jennings on October 5 at the majestic Musical Instrument Museum in Phoenix with an auction of more than 2,000 of the country legend’s personal belongings. The centerpiece of the spectacular collection is the limited edition 1958 Ariel Cyclone motorcycle that originally belonged to Jennings’ best friend and mentor Buddy Holly, and that was given to Jennings in 1979 after Holly’s death.
The Ariel is beautifully preserved with just over 4,000 original miles, and has not been ridden in over 20 years, serving as a symbol of a pivotal time in American music history.
Behind Holly’s Purchase
On May 13th, 1958, three young and newly successful musicians – Buddy Holly, Joe Maudlin, and Jerry Allison – found their way to Ray Miller’s Motorcycle Shop in Dallas, Texas. They had conceived a style of music redefining America’s tastes, combining Country, Pop, Rockabilly, and Rhythm and Blues into a new sound all its own.
Having just returned home from a world tour, Buddy Holly and the Crickets each bought new motorcycles to celebrate their hard work and good fortune. Joe Maudlin, the Crickets’ bass player, immediately fell in love with a Triumph Thunderbird motorcycle. Jerry Allison, their drummer, bought a Triumph Trophy. Holly was transfixed by a black Ariel Cyclone 650cc and purchased the limited edition model – one of only 200 that were ever built.
After Holly’s death, the Ariel motorcycle stayed with the Holly family until they sold it in 1970. In 1979, Allison, Maudlin, and a third member of the Crickets, Sonny Curtis, approached the bike’s owner and put in an offer to buy it as a gift for Jennings’ birthday. Finally, Holly’s beloved Ariel found its way to Jennings on his 42nd birthday.
The entire collection can be previewed at the Musical Instrument Museum (MIM) in Phoenix on October 3-4 from 10:00am to 9:00pm. The live auction will take place in two sessions on Sunday, October 5, beginning at 1:00pm. Absentee bidding via telephone and internet can be arranged.
For additional information, visit www.guernseys.com.
