Internet auctions offer everything from Janet Jackson’s silhouette on a slice of Gouda cheese to a Russian MiG-17. But there’s nothing like a living, breathing in-your-face auction, the real thing, up close and personal… machines you can touch and real people fighting for ownership of the items bid upon, in this case precious metal, more specifically some 20 ultra-rare historic American motorcycles going up on the auction block on June 14 in Tustin, CA (just outside L.A.) at a place called Joe's Garage which is just that, a place where a guy named Joe MacPherson parked his cars and bikes and then opened it up as a museum for public viewing.
Joe built a very large and very cool building to house his two-and-four-wheeled vehicles and Joe knew how to build a garage. He’s the entrepreneur that created the auto mega mall concept and established several highly successful automobile dealerships in Southern Californian. The museum closed this past January 2008 after Joe’s passing. Now his bikes and cars and memorabilia are looking for new homes.
As for some background on Joe and his collection, we refer to a couple of Joe’s longtime buddies Jim and Tom Ferruzzo who put together a photo book and printed up copies to give to Joe and the museum. Their heartfelt words best sums up Joe and his legacy, so we’ll quote it as follows:
“If there was a man with a true passion for cars, it is Joe MacPherson. From his youth and throughout his lifetime, Joe has pursued his passion in every way imaginable. From the Mighty Midget Races at the Huntington Beach Speedway to the Jalopy Derby at the Culver City Stadium, Joes has seen and done it all. But nowhere is this passion more evident that in Joe’s greatest creation, Joe’s Garage in Tustin, California. Joe’s Garage is not just a collection of automobiles (and motorcycles) it is a stroll through automotive history, as seen through the eyes ofJoe MacPherson.”
That history even covers the wall of the museum in the form of exceptional hand-painted murals chronicling a century of automotive evolution, artist Bill Hueg spent a year on the project called “The California Scene,” which spans some 270 feet of wall space. Standing within the walls are some 50 cars including everything from custom hotrods to vintage Corvettes to Dale Earnhart Sr.’s seventh Winston Cup Series championship to Bonneville Slat Flat racers to classic Chevy pick-ups with big block motors.
In addition a whole bunch of hi-tech diagnostic equipment from Sun, Snap-on and GE will be auctioned off as well as automotive artifacts, tons of vintage shop signs, vintage and racing helmets, posters, artwork, model cars and trucks, complete high performance Ford and Chevy engines, car parts, and display cases.
The Bikes (in chronological order):
1908 Indian “Camelback” Belt-drive Single
1911 Flying Merkel Single
1911 Pierce-Arrow Belt-drive Single
1911 Wagner Belt-drive Single
1912 Flanders Belt-drive Single
1912 Yale “4P” Belt-drive Single
1913 Harley-Davidson racer
1915 Indian Big Twin
1916 H-D 8 Valve Boardtrack racer
1921 H-D racer
1931 H-D OHV “Peashooter” Hillclimber
1937 H-D Knucklehead (red)
1937 H-D Knucklehead (black)
1937 Indian Sport Scout
1939 Big Tank Crocker (Jack Lilly bike)
1940 Indian 10E Four Cylinder
1941 Indian Dispatch Tow
1948 H-D WR Daytona racer
1948 Indian 648 Big Base
1953 Indian Roadmaster Chief
1999 H-D Springer Softail (as new)
1911 Pierce Arrow Belt-Drive Single .
Bicycles, cars, motorcycles…George N. Pierce had all the wheels rolling as the founder of both the Great Arrow Motor Car Company and the Pierce Cycle Company, both enterprises located in Buffalo, New York.
Of the many “prestige” American cars built over the years, few enjoyed more favor for a longer period than the Pierce-Arrow automobiles circa 1901-38. A succession of designs led in 1909 to the appearance of the Pierce Arrow at which point, despite their expensive price, there were never enough cars to quench public demand such was the quality, fitment and performance of these machines.
George’s son Percy was given charge of the company’s bicycle activities in 1908 at which point the younger Pierce ventured into building motorcycles, all the rage at the time. It seems that Percy had a been bitten by the bike bug after a trip overseas to Belgium where he encountered the now famous FN four-cylinder machine designed by Paul Kelecom. So impressed in fact, he purchased one and brought it home to Buffalo and went develop the Pierce line of fine motorcycles in keeping with the reputation of their fine motor cars.
On first look, one might ask, where’s the gas tank? And oil tank for that matter. The sophisticated lines of the elegantly designed machine can be attributed to the 3.5 inch diameter, 18 gauge steel frame tubes that were internally copper plated. The upper and rear frame tubes could hold seven quarts of fuel while the front downtube carried five pints of oil all of which served to feed and nourish the 592cc single cylinder capable of propelling its rider to the then dizzying speed of 55 mph all with the “efficiency of a twin with the simplicity of single-cylinder construction.”
The Pierce was described as “The Vibrationless Motorcycle” and appeared in both single and four-cylinder models, successes both with sales to 14 different countries.
A company ad summed it up when it stated, “Pierce motorcycles are not made to compete in price but to surpass in quality. It is a deluxe motorcycle for discriminating riders.” And so will be the new owner of this superb example beautifully restored from an original machine.
Specifications:
Engine: 592cc/5 HP
Wheelbase: 57 inches
Weight: 235 lb.
Top speed: 55 mph
1931 Harley-Davidson OHV “Peashooter”Serial No. 31AA542
Hill Climbing like jazz is an American invention. The idea is to get to the top of a very steep hill faster than the next rider. And you and the bike must arrive together.
It seems a fellow named Jack Fletcher got himself remembered when he rode his 1919 Harley-Davidson W Sport to the top of Mt. Baldy clearing some 10,000ft.That’s a hill.
So how did a 21 cubic inch single cylinder motorcycle become a mountain climber? Initially designed as a “cuddly” 350cc single for the street, the versatile “Peashooter” could take on the personality of a Howitzer when formulated for Hill Climb competitions. While they were introduced in the hopes of bringing down speeds on board and dirt tracks to a “safer” level, that concept disappeared in a cloud of dust as tuners got to work. Capable of scorching 85mph on a flat track, these bikes were more inclined to a near vertical attitude as their chain clad rear tires chewed its way up 200-600 ft. hillsides preferably with their riders still on board. “Fast and furious” was the name of the game and Harley played it to win. So popular was the sport that movie theater newsreels often included hillclimb action especially the spectacular falls of bike and rider back down the hill in question.
One of the greats of Hill Climb was Joe Petrali who rode to many victories aboard his Harley “Peashooter” including National Hill Climb Championships for 1932-39.
Introduced in 1926 the 350’s were Milwaukee’s response to Indian’s Prince of the same displacement. They came in two flavors, an economical sidevalve or flathead, the former for general lightweight transportation and the more ferocious race-oriented OHV version being the Motor Co.’s first OHV engine since the Sport Twin and the first OHV offered for sale to the public. A popular machine, exported Peashooters showed up in European speedway events and as well as daily riders for lightweight sportbike enthusiasts.
The standard Peashooter’s 350cc engine, with choice of magneto or battery ignition, was rated at 8 HP while the ohv version produced 12 and came equipped with magneto. This new single gained its performance advantage thanks special combustion chambers designed by British engineer Harry Ricardo. A design feature called a “squish band” created turbulence in the fuel charge resulting in a fuller burn and thereby greater horsepower. In addition the competition Peashooter engine featured pressure oil feed to all bearings except the wristpin and had a sodium-cooled exhaust valve.
As to the derivation of its nickname “Peashooter” that seems to have been inspired by the distinctive sharp crackling sound issuing from the exhaust, name tagged when the OHV ran its first race in 1925. The following year the Peashooter had won six of 14 national championship 350cc races. The lightweight sportbike was also seen as the right candidate for Hill Climb competitions and this example, built in homage to the heyday of the sport, is outfitted appropriately right down to the chains.
Specifications:
Engine: 350cc (21 cu.in.) OHV Single
Weight: approx. 215 lb.
Top Speed: 85+ MPH
1939 Big Tank Crocker V-twinSerial # 39 61 103
The Crocker V-twins were built in varying displacements and accessories as dictated by customer preference, and were in effect the first custom bike you could order from a manufacturer. The last batch of Crockers was produced in 1942 as WWII sucked up precious materials and as Crocker priced himself out of the running, losing some $2500 per bike he built from 1936-41. Al Crocker passed away in 1961.
The Crocker motorcycle fans the passions on many levels. As Crocker collector and historian Randy Wiggins sums it up, “Al Crocker set out to produce in limited quantity of the most opulent, fastest, best handling motorcycles in the world, the premier roadster. It was a hotrod cruiser, the first power cruiser. You got to remember it was 15 mph faster than its Harley and Indian competition and even outperformed the Brough-Superior SS100 and Vincent Series A. They are absolutely the Holy Grail of motorcycles. They were built to an ideal, rather than a standard. A Crocker is a Crocker. Nothing comes close.”
The leather saddle of this particular Crocker “Big Tank” bears the signature of Jack Lilly, one of the founders of the legendary “Booze Fighters” motorcycle club rendered notorious by the indelible photos from Hollister, CA appearing in LIFE magazine. Purchased by “Crocker Jack” from Al Crocker’s shop, this machine thus carries the patina of several milestones in motorcycling history.
Once again it can be said that Crockers are “disappearing,” such is the demand and so limited is the availability. This example of proven pedigree as well as still stunning performance provides a rare opportunity to share in a remarkable vision of excellence unmatched, an investment in the past and the future as well.
Specifications:
Engine: 1000cc (61 cu. in.) 45 degree ohv V-twin; Linkert carburetor
Transmission: three-speed handshift
Frame: rigid with springer front end
Brakes: drum front and rear
Wheelbase: 62.5 inches
Weight: 475 lb.
Top Speed: 115 mph
1911 Pierce Arrow Belt-Drive Single .
Bicycles, cars, motorcycles…George N. Pierce had all the wheels rolling as the founder of both the Great Arrow Motor Car Company and the Pierce Cycle Company, both enterprises located in Buffalo, New York.
Of the many “prestige” American cars built over the years, few enjoyed more favor for a longer period than the Pierce-Arrow automobiles circa 1901-38. A succession of designs led in 1909 to the appearance of the Pierce Arrow at which point, despite their expensive price, there were never enough cars to quench public demand such was the quality, fitment and performance of these machines.
George’s son Percy was given charge of the company’s bicycle activities in 1908 at which point the younger Pierce ventured into building motorcycles, all the rage at the time. It seems that Percy had a been bitten by the bike bug after a trip overseas to Belgium where he encountered the now famous FN four-cylinder machine designed by Paul Kelecom. So impressed in fact, he purchased one and brought it home to Buffalo and went develop the Pierce line of fine motorcycles in keeping with the reputation of their fine motor cars.
On first look, one might ask, where’s the gas tank? And oil tank for that matter. The sophisticated lines of the elegantly designed machine can be attributed to the 3.5 inch diameter, 18 gauge steel frame tubes that were internally copper plated. The upper and rear frame tubes could hold seven quarts of fuel while the front downtube carried five pints of oil all of which served to feed and nourish the 592cc single cylinder capable of propelling its rider to the then dizzying speed of 55 mph all with the “efficiency of a twin with the simplicity of single-cylinder construction.”
The Pierce was described as “The Vibrationless Motorcycle” and appeared in both single and four-cylinder models, successes both with sales to 14 different countries.
A company ad summed it up when it stated, “Pierce motorcycles are not made to compete in price but to surpass in quality. It is a deluxe motorcycle for discriminating riders.” And so will be the new owner of this superb example beautifully restored from an original machine.
Specifications:
Engine: 592cc/5 HP
Wheelbase: 57 inches
Weight: 235 lb.
Top speed: 55 mph
1931 Harley-Davidson OHV “Peashooter”Serial No. 31AA542
Hill Climbing like jazz is an American invention. The idea is to get to the top of a very steep hill faster than the next rider. And you and the bike must arrive together.
It seems a fellow named Jack Fletcher got himself remembered when he rode his 1919 Harley-Davidson W Sport to the top of Mt. Baldy clearing some 10,000ft.That’s a hill.
So how did a 21 cubic inch single cylinder motorcycle become a mountain climber? Initially designed as a “cuddly” 350cc single for the street, the versatile “Peashooter” could take on the personality of a Howitzer when formulated for Hill Climb competitions. While they were introduced in the hopes of bringing down speeds on board and dirt tracks to a “safer” level, that concept disappeared in a cloud of dust as tuners got to work. Capable of scorching 85mph on a flat track, these bikes were more inclined to a near vertical attitude as their chain clad rear tires chewed its way up 200-600 ft. hillsides preferably with their riders still on board. “Fast and furious” was the name of the game and Harley played it to win. So popular was the sport that movie theater newsreels often included hillclimb action especially the spectacular falls of bike and rider back down the hill in question.
One of the greats of Hill Climb was Joe Petrali who rode to many victories aboard his Harley “Peashooter” including National Hill Climb Championships for 1932-39.
Introduced in 1926 the 350’s were Milwaukee’s response to Indian’s Prince of the same displacement. They came in two flavors, an economical sidevalve or flathead, the former for general lightweight transportation and the more ferocious race-oriented OHV version being the Motor Co.’s first OHV engine since the Sport Twin and the first OHV offered for sale to the public. A popular machine, exported Peashooters showed up in European speedway events and as well as daily riders for lightweight sportbike enthusiasts.
The standard Peashooter’s 350cc engine, with choice of magneto or battery ignition, was rated at 8 HP while the ohv version produced 12 and came equipped with magneto. This new single gained its performance advantage thanks special combustion chambers designed by British engineer Harry Ricardo. A design feature called a “squish band” created turbulence in the fuel charge resulting in a fuller burn and thereby greater horsepower. In addition the competition Peashooter engine featured pressure oil feed to all bearings except the wristpin and had a sodium-cooled exhaust valve.
As to the derivation of its nickname “Peashooter” that seems to have been inspired by the distinctive sharp crackling sound issuing from the exhaust, name tagged when the OHV ran its first race in 1925. The following year the Peashooter had won six of 14 national championship 350cc races. The lightweight sportbike was also seen as the right candidate for Hill Climb competitions and this example, built in homage to the heyday of the sport, is outfitted appropriately right down to the chains.
Specifications:
Engine: 350cc (21 cu.in.) OHV Single
Weight: approx. 215 lb.
Top Speed: 85+ MPH
1939 Big Tank Crocker V-twinSerial # 39 61 103
The Crocker V-twins were built in varying displacements and accessories as dictated by customer preference, and were in effect the first custom bike you could order from a manufacturer. The last batch of Crockers was produced in 1942 as WWII sucked up precious materials and as Crocker priced himself out of the running, losing some $2500 per bike he built from 1936-41. Al Crocker passed away in 1961.
The Crocker motorcycle fans the passions on many levels. As Crocker collector and historian Randy Wiggins sums it up, “Al Crocker set out to produce in limited quantity of the most opulent, fastest, best handling motorcycles in the world, the premier roadster. It was a hotrod cruiser, the first power cruiser. You got to remember it was 15 mph faster than its Harley and Indian competition and even outperformed the Brough-Superior SS100 and Vincent Series A. They are absolutely the Holy Grail of motorcycles. They were built to an ideal, rather than a standard. A Crocker is a Crocker. Nothing comes close.”
The leather saddle of this particular Crocker “Big Tank” bears the signature of Jack Lilly, one of the founders of the legendary “Booze Fighters” motorcycle club rendered notorious by the indelible photos from Hollister, CA appearing in LIFE magazine. Purchased by “Crocker Jack” from Al Crocker’s shop, this machine thus carries the patina of several milestones in motorcycling history.
Once again it can be said that Crockers are “disappearing,” such is the demand and so limited is the availability. This example of proven pedigree as well as still stunning performance provides a rare opportunity to share in a remarkable vision of excellence unmatched, an investment in the past and the future as well.
Specifications:
Engine: 1000cc (61 cu. in.) 45 degree ohv V-twin; Linkert carburetor
Transmission: three-speed handshift
Frame: rigid with springer front end
Brakes: drum front and rear
Wheelbase: 62.5 inches
Weight: 475 lb.
Top Speed: 115 mph
