Harley-Davidson->ke300 models with celebrity signatures are pretty cool items to have. But how often is it for somebody to own a Harley that has the signature of the Vicar of Christ in it. One such Harley, a FLSTC 103 Heritage Softail Classic->ke1819, was auctioned off at a Bonhams event in Paris, carrying with it a signature from no less than Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI and received by Pope Francis.

Yep. The former pope signed it and the current pope received it. That, ladies and gentlemen, is how you turn a standard Harley FLSTC 103 Heritage Softail Classic into a certified collectible.

Apparently, the signature of Benedict XVI was more than enough for the bike to attract its fair share of bidders. Having it received by Pope Francis added even more appeal to what is already a one-of-a-kind motorcycle. In the end, the holiest of Harleys went to a telephone bidder who surprised a lot of people by stepping up with a bid of €46,000. That’s about $52,000 based on current exchange rates.

The $52,000 may be a lot of money for a Harley, but this particular one is special for all the right reasons. Besides, the winning bidder has a history of collecting Harleys that have had audiences with the pontiff. Remember Pope Francis’ 1,585cc Harley-Davidson Dyna Super Glide that was sold a year ago at the same auction? The bidder who bought that model is the same one that scooped this one up.

In the end, the Pope-blessed Harley auction will go to a good cause as proceeds of the auction will be sent to the Stowarzyszenie Przyjazny Świat Dziecka (Friendly World Association), a Polish non-profit organization that provides care and support to children and families.

Click past the jump to read more about the Pope-blessed Harley-Davidson FLSTC 103 Heritage Softail Classic after the jump.

Why it matters

It's not everyday that you can own a Harley-Davidson FLSTC 103 Heritage Softail Classic that has been around the presence of not just one pope, but two popes. That's the kind of story this particular Harley will tell years from now. Outside of its audience with the two popes, this particular Harley also has the distinction of taking part in a special countdown to Harley-Davidson's 110th anniversary celebration.

It may not have sold as high as the $327,000 bid on Pope Francis' Dyna Super Glide during last year's Bonham's auction in Paris, but rest assured, this particular Harley still has a wonderful story to tell in the future.

I wouldn't even be surprised if we see this particular bike hit the auction market in the future. Should that happen, interested buyers might need to prepare their finances in order.

That's what I'd do if I were in their shoes.