Mecum To Offer Unprecedented Collection Of American-Built Motorcycles at South Point Hotel, Casino & Spa
The E.J. Cole Collection – Representing 50 Years of American Motorcycle Treasure March 20-21
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.
“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
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.
About Mecum Auctions
Nobody sells more than Mecum. Nobody. The Mecum Auction Company is the world leader of collector car, vintage and antique motorcycle, and Road Art sales, hosting auctions throughout the United States. The company has been specializing in the sale of collector cars for 28 years, now offering more than 15,000 vehicles per year and averaging more than one auction each month. Established by President Dana Mecum in 1988, Mecum Auctions remains a family-run company headquartered in Walworth, Wis. For further information, visit Mecum.com or call (262) 275-5050. Follow along with Mecum’s social media news and join us on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Pinterest and Instagram.
About South Point Hotel, Casino & Spa
Featuring more than 2,100 guestrooms, South Point Hotel, Casino & Spa overlooks the famous Las Vegas Strip and the serenity of the surrounding mountainscape. Each oversized guest room features state-of-the-art LED televisions as well as Wi-Fi with high-speed internet connections. Guests visiting South Point will experience affordable luxury through a casino offering top-of-the-line gaming technology, more than 60 table games and a race and sports book area featuring separate viewing areas for both horse racing and general sporting events; a wide variety of dining options, including the award-winning Michael’s Gourmet Room; the world-class Costa Del Sur Spa and Salon; a fabulous 400-seat showroom featuring headliner entertainment; a 16-screen Cinemark movie complex; a state-of-the-art, 64-lane bowling center; and a 165,000-square foot convention center. In addition, South Point holds one of the finest event facilities in the country with the South Point Arena and Equestrian Center, which features more than 1,200 climate-controlled stalls and plays host to some of the country’s most unique events. South Point Hotel, Casino & Spa is at 9777 Las Vegas Blvd. South, Las Vegas, NV 89183.
For more information or for room reservations, call (702) 796-7111 or visit the South Point Hotel, Casino & Spa website. Connect with South Point on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and foursquare.