Hollywood Auction 74

372 1-310-859-7701 “The Fonz” Triumph Trophy TR5

1065. Henry Winkler “ A r t h u r ‘ T h e F o n z ’ F o n z a r e l l i ” s i g n a t u r e T r i u m p h T r o p h y t r 5 m o t o r c y c l e f r o m H a p p y D a y s . (Paramount TV 1974-84) This is the motor- cycle that helped make Arthur Fonzarelli, “The Fonz,” The icon of cool – the 1949 Triumph Trophy 500 Custom (frame number TC11198T). Originally a bit player, Fonzie/Winkler, became the breakout star of Happy Days — the long running ABC sitcom watched by some 40 million Americans at its ratings peak. The bike was originally owned by Hollywood stuntman, racer and provider of bikes to the studios Bud Ekins (it was Ekins who actually jumped the barbed-wire fence in The Great Escape, doubling for his friend Steve McQueen). This ‘49 Triumph is one of three Triumph motorcycles “The Fonz” used during the show’s 10-year run on ABC. According to Bud Ekins, all three Triumphs used on the show were 500cc Trophy models of various years – two of which went missing/stolen, or raced to the ground and sold for parts. Eventually, when the show ended, Ekins sold the third and only remaining “Fonzie” Triumph to friend and motorcycle collector Mean Marshall Ehlers where it resided since 1990. Designed to accommodate Henry Winkler’s inability to ride larger bikes, Ekins had supplied Paramount’s show producers with the beat-up Scrambler, yanking off the front fender, bolted on a set of buckhorn handle bars and spray painted the fuel tank silver. It is often rumored that Winkler was frequently pushed on the bike by stage-hands, confirmed by his own admissions due to his inability to ride a motorcycle. Fonzie’s silver Triumph became a pop culture icon, appearing on countless lunchboxes, posters, t-shirts, model kits and maga- zines. When the show was cancelled, one of Fonzie’s signature brown leather jackets was gifted to The Smithsonian Institution. The “cool factor” of this Triumph is impossible to quantify or duplicate. The bike measures 82 in. long x 43 in. tall and remains untouched since appearing on television screens over 30 years ago. The motorcycle was awarded to the prior owner at a Seminole Indian casino by Henry Winkler, himself. $100,000 - $150,000

www.profilesinhistory.com 373 Hollywood Auction 74

1066. Henry Winkler “Fonzie” jacket from Happy Days. (ABC-TV, 1974-84) Brown leather jacket with zipper front closure and elastic/ fabric waist. This jacket was manufactured by Ben Cooper (having his signature logo custom lining) for Paramount Pictures Corporation c. 1978. This was a studio used production jacket and was most likely used in various stunt scenes. There is a tear at the inside right arm to this shell as well as a missing zipper pull; otherwise, the jacket is in very good condition and shows evidence of use. Approx. size 38/40 short. This jacket was originally acquired from the “Re-Take Room”, who in turn acquired it directly from Paramount Studios. When the show was cancelled, one of Fonzie’s signature brown leather jackets was gifted to The Smithsonian Institution. An important piece of television history. $30,000 - $50,000

374 1-310-859-7701 Hollywood Auction 74

1374. Evel Knievel screen used Harley-Davidson XLCH 1000 Eagle “Stratocycle” from Viva Knievel! (Warner Bros., 1977) The motorcycle, custom built on a modified 1976 Harley XLCH Sportster 1000, features a futuristic fiberglass fairing with integral wings, custom exhaust ports, and sports a red, white and blue eagle-motif paint scheme. Ridden by Knievel in the daring rescue sequence when he breaks his mechanic friend, played by Gene Kelly, out of the mental hospital. Its unique and dramatic appearance prompted a toy version of the Stratocycle to be made by Ideal Toy Company (the most valuable and collectable of all Evel Knievel toys). The provenance of this motorcycle is exceptional: it comes with original California registration card issued for (VIN# 4A20750H6) from “AMF Harley Davidson MTR Co.” to “Warner Bros. Inc.” and an original invoice from Harley-Davidson Motor Co., Inc., dated 8-14-78, selling the motorcycle following the production to “Rich Budelier Company” (the Los Angeles Harley dealership which provided the motorcycles for the film) with the following notation: “Used in Evil [sic] Knievel Movie. To be sold for $500. No freight per Tom Bolfert…4A20750H6 Note 1976 bike.” (Tom Bolfert was the ex-head of archives for the Harley-Davidson Motor Co.) The motorcycle has undergone cosmetic restoration; the Plexiglas windscreen and alloy wheels have been replaced to bring it back to screen appearance. Measures 96 in. long x 60 in. wide x 54 in. tall. Sold on a Bill of Sale. This is the only known film-used, stunt-ridden motorcycle by Evel Knievel to reach the auction block. Worthy of inclusion in the finest collections of Motorcycles and Americana. $200,000 - $300,000

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