Sydney, Australia – Police in New South Wales, Australia recently seized an incredibly rare, fully gold-plated custom Harley-Davidson valued at over $1.5 million AUD (approx $1 million USD) after a drug bust outside Sydney. The motorcycle was commissioned by alleged drug trafficker Jean Wimmer and built by Australian shop Sinistar Customs. If authentic, this gold-plated masterpiece had the potential to surpass the $1.9 million Bucherer Blue Edition as the most expensive Harley-Davidson ever produced.
The story starts with Jean Wimmer, owner of Flawless Jewellery in Sydney, who projected the image of a highly successful businessman and jeweler on social media. Alongside posing with gems and jewels, he would occasionally share photos and videos riding exotic supercars like a Lamborghini Aventador or Ferrari 488 Pista. But behind the scenes, police allege Wimmer was running a massive $5 million dollar drug trafficking operation and the lavish lifestyle was a front.
When police raided Wimmer’s home in Sydney’s west, they seized over $1 million in cash but also uncovered a huge collection of luxury vehicles including three Ferraris, a Lamborghini, and the crown jewel – a custom gold-plated Harley-Davidson estimated at AU$2 million (US$1.5 million). Wimmer had commissioned the Australian workshop Sinistar Customs to fabricate this one-of-a-kind motorcycle, plated in 24 karat gold. If the estimated value is accurate, this golden masterpiece could have challenged the reigning “most expensive motorcycle in the world”, the Bucherer Blue Edition Harley.
The Bucherer Blue Edition Harley-Davidson is currently considered the most expensive in existence at approximately $1.9 million USD. It was a collaboration between Harley-Davidson, Swiss watchmaker Carl Bucherer, and Bündnerbike. They started with a 2017 Softail Slim S model and customized it with hand-engraved detailing and covered the bike in bright blue precious stones totaling over 7.2 carats. The one-of-a-kind creation was introduced in 2018 at an event in Zurich, instantly cementing its status as the most valuable Harley ever produced.
From the photos released by Australian authorities, it appears Wimmer’s gold-plated bike may have been based on a Softail or Touring model as well, possibly a Road Glide or Street Glide. The entire motorcycle has been plated in pure 24 karat gold, with custom machined and engraved parts throughout. Even for a successful businessman, dropping over $1 million USD on a golden custom Harley is an exaggerated display of wealth. But for an alleged drug trafficker, an asset like this should raise eyebrows.
Police are continuing their investigation into Wimmer but have already seized the Harley, Lamborghini, Ferraris, and over $1 million in cash. These vehicles and his estate valued at $2.5 million AUD are alleged proceeds from his drug crimes. If convicted, Wimmer faces life behind bars for directing a criminal organization and drug trafficking. He has already been denied bail and missed his last court appearance due to contracting COVID-19 while incarcerated.
The fate of the rare gold-plated Harley is still unknown at this time. Police have it securely in custody pending the outcome of Wimmer’s trial. If he is found guilty, the Australian courts have the power to seize his assets permanently. There is speculation the vehicles could be auctioned off – which means this $1.5 million (USD) Golden Harley masterpiece could go home with a new owner at a fraction of its value.
Regardless if the exact amount is accurate, this is clearly one of the most expensive Harley-Davidson motorcycles ever produced. The outrageous amount of gold plating alone would value it at over $1 million USD. While we may never know the full story of how a successful jeweler was secretly funding this with drug money, the unveiling of this extravagant gold-covered cruiser is a stark reminder that not everything is as it seems.
