Mark Greeley: Ernest “Bud” Cox To Have Legendary Motorcycle Collection Auctioned

Tuesday, May 30, 2017

Ernest “Bud” Cox To Have Legendary Motorcycle Collection Auctioned

The past decade or so has created a landscape for auto auctions which is unlikely to be replicated anytime in the near or distant future. You see, as a point of reference, if a solider returning from WWII was 21-years-old in 1945 that would make them 93 today. That soldier would come home to a victorious and prosperous America which in turn meant there were opportunities abound. Opportunities which were exacerbated by the fact that many were also returning with a skillset learned in the military. Combined, this created a perfect storm, so to speak, for success.

How does this impact car auctions over 50 years removed? Well, unfortunately, this post-war “greatest generation” can’t live forever. Meaning, the car or motorcycle collection amassed by that young soldier after WWII would most likely be sold at the time of their passing. Now let’s give that soldier a name, Earnest “Bud” Cox. Bud was a mechanic in WWII working on flame-thrower tanks, he was 21 when the war ended in 1945 and just seven years later he would start an aviation supply machine shop in his garage. His business would rapidly grow and by 47-year-old Bud would sell his stake in the company to his son; however, not the idle type Bud would again start a business with another son for a couple more years before retiring for good in 1972 to pursue his true passion, motorcycles.

A master mechanic Bud would become regarded as an expert in motorcycles and restore around 40 through his career. He would also build himself a mighty collection which according to Mecum Auctions would include, “no fewer than 14 Indians, ranging between a 1906 single-cylinder racer, a 1931 4-cylinder, several World War II military models of 30.50 CI and 45 CI, a Resto Mod 1936 Indian Scout with a telescopic fork and disc brake, and of course the fantastic Indian ‘Super 6.’ He also owned 12 Harley-Davidsons between 1914 and 2001, plus individual models of Reading-Standard, Pope, Excelsior, Honda and Whizzer.” Sadly, Bud would pass away in 2016 at 92. His extensive collection will all be auctioned off in Las Vegas June 1-3. While it is exciting that Bud’s collection will be available to be seen, and enjoyed by numerous new owners at the end of the weekend, it is another example of the changing auction scene.