Daniel Craig auctions 007 motorbikes for RNLI in birthday gesture
Actor Daniel Craig, best known for being married to Rachel Weisz – oh yes, and playing James Bond – has donated his personal limited edition 007 x Triumph motorcycles to the RNLI. The idea was to help raise funds for the charity which is, this year, marking its 200th anniversary year of lifesaving. Both bikes were auctioned this weekend by Bonhams at the Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show in Staffordshire. The bikes combined sold for £60,000.
Craig has been a lifelong supporter of the RNLI, with his previous involvement including supporting a station campaign at Hoylake near where he grew up, and going afloat with the lifeboat crew at Ramsgate.
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The two motorcycles were inspired by the bikes that featured in the 25th James Bond film, No Time To Die. Specifically, they’re the #003/250 Scrambler 1200 Bond Edition, which sold for £28,000 and the #001/250 Tiger 900 Bond Edition, which sold for £32,000. The package also included the opportunity to ride with Bond stunt co-ordinator Lee Morrison and 007 Bond stunt double Paul Edmondson. These editions of both motorcycles sold out on the day of launch.
“The RNLI has been close to my heart all my life since growing up near the RNLI station at Hoylake,” says Craig. “I have incredible memories of going afloat with the RNLI crew at Ramsgate to experience first hand what it’s like to be part of the organisation that has saved over 146,000 lives since starting up over 200 years ago.
“I am honoured and immensely proud to support the RNLI and hope the auction of Triumph’s Limited Edition Bond motorcycles proved popular. The riding experience with Lee Morrison and Paul Edmondson adds another unique and exciting dynamic to the lots. I worked with Lee on Casino Royale, all the way through to No Time To Die; the opportunity is not to be missed and will help raise funds for the truly lifesaving cause that is the RNLI.”
Not only will the successful bidders secure the bikes, but both motorcycles will be hand signed by Daniel Craig. They were sold with the original V5C documents bearing Daniel Craig’s name, as well as a certificate of authenticity signed by both Daniel Craig and Triumph Motorcycles’ CEO, Nick Bloor.
“The money raised from the auction will make a huge difference. It will enable us to invest in vital training and equipment for our lifesavers as well as helping us to deliver water safety advice to the public so we can prevent people getting in trouble at sea,” says Jayne George, RNLI director of fundraising. “It’s incredible to have Daniel’s support. As a charity we rely on donations to achieve our mission to save every one.”