LYNCHBURG, Tenn. (October 6, 2016) – A highly collectible Jack Daniel’s Indian Chief Vintage Motorcycle will be auctioned October 15th at the Barrett-Jackson Las Vegas Auction with all proceeds going to Jack Daniel’s “Operation Ride Home” program that assists service members and their families travel from base to home during the holidays.
The bike selling at auction is #1 of 150 individually numbered motorcycles – the first-ever production vehicles to feature the Jack Daniel’s livery – in honor of the distillery’s 150th anniversary. The extremely rare commemorative production run of the Limited Edition Jack Daniel’s® Indian® Springfield™ and Indian® Chief® Vintage motorcycle models sold the remaining units in just one day. The #1 bike is the last available and arguably the most valuable.
“This motorcycle is so special not only because it’s #1 from this rare production run, but also because all of the proceeds from its sale will go to help our heroes and their families make it from their base to home this holiday season,” said Jeff Arnett, Jack Daniel’s Master Distiller. “All of us at the distillery honor our military men and women, and we’re so proud to join with our friends at the Armed Services YMCA, Indian Motorcycle and Klock Werks in this effort to give back to those who have given so much.”
Since Operation Ride Home began six years ago, 2,083 junior enlisted single service members and those with families – for a total of 4,606 people – have travelled from their bases to homes around the country for the holidays. Through the ASYMCA and military commands, service members and families are identified who most need financial assistance for travel and are provided airplane tickets and pre-paid debit cards for gas and lodging for those families who are driving. In addition to Jack Daniel’s annual $100,000 contribution, friends are asked to visit www.jdoperationridehome.com to do what they can to help out.
“There are so many junior enlisted service members and families who want to go home for the holidays but just don’t have the financial means to make the trip,” said William French, President and CEO of the ASYMCA. “We’re proud that we’ve been able to help so many through Operation Ride Home, but for every family we have been able to help, there are 10 families waiting. We thank our friends at Indian Motorcycle for joining us to raise additional funds and help give the gift of home this holiday season.”
Designed in conjunction with Klock Werks, the Limited Edition Jack Daniel’s Indian Springfield and Chief Vintage models both feature an array of genuine Indian Motorcycle accessories and custom accessories, as well as Jack Daniel’s-inspired custom paint and logos, badging, leather saddle and saddlebags.
“Being the guy tapped to combine two great brands in Indian Motorcycle and Jack Daniel’s – especially for such an important build as the first time the distillery’s brand has been on any motor vehicle is huge for me!” says Brian Klock or Klock Werks in Mitchell, SD. “Bringing in elements from Jack Daniel’s history, as well as the important ‘Bottles and Throttles Don’t Mix’ responsibility message, was a welcome challenge. It’s an honor to be part of this program, and to see the #1 bike being auctioned for such a worthy cause really fills me with pride.”
Each fender of the bikes are inscribed with the names of the seven Master Distillers who have overseen the Jack Daniel’s distilling process over its 150-year history, and an inscription of Jack Daniel’s “Bottles and Throttles Don’t Mix” mantra reminds riders that drinking and riding are meant to be enjoyed separately. Both models also come with a custom-printed Jack Daniel’s whiskey barrel top to commemorate each bike, a two-year unlimited mileage factory warranty and free membership in the Indian Motorcycle Riders Group™ for one year.
About Jack Daniel’s
Officially registered by the U.S. Government in 1866 and based in Lynchburg, Tenn., the Jack Daniel Distillery, Lem Motlow, proprietor, is the oldest registered distillery in the United States and is on the National Register of Historic Places. Jack Daniel’s is the maker of the world-famous Jack Daniel’s Old No. 7 Tennessee Whiskey, Gentleman Jack Rare Tennessee Whiskey, Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Tennessee Whiskey, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Honey, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Fire, Jack Daniel’s Sinatra Select and Jack Daniel’s Country Cocktails.
Jack Daniel’s encourages its friends to drink responsibly and reminds bikers that Bottles and Throttles Don’t Mix.
