1986 Honda Elite Motor Scooter from Jim McMahon Commercial / Advertising Campaign Formerly Displayed at McMahon's Restaurant
Jim McMahon was the Easy Rider of quarterbacks. He went out of his way to take the road less traveled and usually did so on his motorbike. – ESPN SportsCentury
From the estate of Sports Super Agent Steve Zucker, this 1986 Elite Honda Motor Scooter was used by one of Chicago's sports most iconic figures, Jim McMahon, in an unforgettable marketing campaign that defined 1980s cool. Featured in both television and print advertisements, McMahon famously declared "Outrageousness! It's nothing more than a way to wake people up. Especially yourself." in the commercial that would help make the scooter a national sensation and "The Chicago Transit Authority".
After the commercial shoot, the scooter was placed as a showpiece at McMahon's Lincoln Park restaurant which was owned by Zucker from 1987-89. After the restaurant's closing, the scooter would remain with Zucker at the famed agent's home.
The overall appearance of the scooter remains as impressive since its initial use in the advertising campaign with all original body and parts intact. It is currently not operational and requires review by a vehicle technician. This scooter being sold as an object of memorabilia with no title as one was not originally issued due to the nature of its promotional use.
Video of the scooter's starring appearance in the Honda commercial can be seen here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9sJCl8Xy4twSteve Zucker was born in Chicago and attended Senn High School, the University of Illinois and Law School at DePaul University where he received a J.D. degree.
After graduating, Zucker worked as Assistant Corporation Counsel for the City of Chicago. He and his mentor, Dick Elrod, were in the street, advising both police and demonstrators about their rights during the 1968 Democratic National Convention. He prosecuted cases arising from these scenes. By the 1970s, Zucker had his own criminal law practice and a roster of high-profile clients.
Then in 1984, Chicago Bears quarterback Jim McMahon asked Zucker to represent him. Other Chicago Bears players followed McMahon, leading Zucker to leave his law practice and build Zucker Sports Management - a full-service agency for professional athletes and entertainers. His approach to negotiations led to new standards. He demanded and got salaries and signing bonuses that set records for his clients.
Zucker passed away in 2018, survived by his loving and devoted wife of 48 years, Shelly, four children, six grandchildren and an immeasurable number of grateful clients.
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This lot is located in Chicago.
