Mecum
Auctions will present the E.J. Cole Collection at auction March 20-21, 2015 at
South Point Casino and Exhibit Hall in Las Vegas. Representing 50 years of collecting
what any motorcycle enthusiast would consider American Treasure, the collection
today stands at more than 220 strong and is considered by many to be the
finest, most diverse single collection of American-made machines.
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1917
Henderson 4 Ex-Steve McQueen
|
“It
is the largest single grouping of American-built motorcycles ever offered to
the public from one person’s collection,” commented Ron Christenson, president
of Mecum’s Motorcycle division. “We are confident that the entire collection
could fetch as much as $15-20 million at auction. It’s an amazing group of
motorcycles and its proportion is truly epic. It’s already being dubbed ‘The
Antique Motorcycle Auction of the Century.’”
There
are several bikes that will headline the offering including many that were
previously owned by Steve McQueen as well as two of Cole’s personal favorites,
his 1907 Harley-Davidson Strap Tank (Lot S62) and his 1910 Flying Merkel Board
Track Racer (Lot S79), both in original and unrestored condition. Other
headliners, to name just a few, include Cole’s 1915 Cyclone Board Track Racer
formerly owned by Steve McQueen (Lot S57), his 1907 Indian Tri-Car (Lot S67),
1942 Crocker Big Tank (Lot S69) and his 1912 Minneapolis Big 5 Single (Lot
S89).
A
number of Cole’s motorcycles have been proudly displayed at museums in South
Dakota and Iowa. These motorcycles will be gathered up and presented for
auction in Las Vegas, but Cole is hopeful the new owners will lend, as he has
often done, their newly acquired antique motorcycle to one of the fine
motorcycle museums around the United States.
Cole
recognizes the unique variety in his collection saying, “I didn’t really have a
preference [among makes]. As long as it was a motorcycle and American-made and
I didn’t have one, I went after it. I just mainly tried to buy one of
everything there was, and that’s about it. I just went for everything.” He also
acknowledges his reluctance to let go of what he’s spent more than 50 years
putting together. “If my age hadn’t gotten ahead of me, why I’d still be out
trying to add to it, but being that I’m 89, I feel like it’s time to quit.” He
adds that, “Here at my place nobody gets to see them and they need to be out
where people can enjoy them.”
The
entire E.J. Cole Collection consists of 239 lots, 231 of those being offered at
no reserve. With production years ranging from 1903 to 1991, the collection
will be offered at a stand-alone auction this March 20-21. Some of the bikes
have never before been seen by the public, let alone offered up for sale,
making this offering one of the most unique of its kind.
Event
Schedule:
E.J.
Cole Collection Auction - www.mecum.com/newest-lots.cfm
March
20-21, 2015
South
Point Casino and Exhibit Hall
9777
Las Vegas Blvd. S.
Las
Vegas, NV 89183
Admission:
$20 per person, per day; children 12 and younger receive complimentary
admission
Preview:
Gates open on Friday, March 20 at 10 a.m. and on Saturday, March 21 at 8 a.m.
Auction:
Friday, March 20 from 4-6 p.m. and Saturday, March 21 beginning at 11 a.m.
(All
times Pacific)
For
more information on the E.J. Cole Collection or to register as a bidder, visit
Mecum.com or call (262) 275-5050. Mecum.com is updated daily with the latest
consignments including detailed descriptions and photographs of the motorcycles
and more to be offered at upcoming auctions.
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