Specifications:
1,000 cc 45-degree OHV
V-twin engine with Linkert carburetor and three-speed handshift transmission, rigid frame with springer front end, and drum brakes front and rear.

Working from a cramped shop in Venice, California, Albert 'Al' Crocker hand built his first V-twin motorcycle bearing his name in 1936, three years prior to the outbreak of World War II. By the end of the war in 1945, the Crocker itself had become a casualty and for the most part faded into the history books. Only recently has it been rediscovered, skyrocketing to public consciousness due to the extraordinary nature of the motorcycle and the ensuing collector interest generated when these rare performance machines have resurfaced.

Having joined Indian in 1909 and credited for pioneering the company's overhead valve racing efforts, Al Crocker became a Los Angeles Indian distributor in 1928. Then at age 53 he set out to design and build his own motorcycles, doing so one cylinder at a time. His one-lung short track speedway race bikes, of which between 30 and 32 examples were built, scored well in competition.

But it was his V-Twins, referred to as 'two-wheeled Duesenbergs', that would carve his niche into fame and fortune, though not his own. Totally unrelated in design from his single cylinder engines, the twins embodied a unique vision when first launched in 1936. Using aluminum components and powerful engines, they literally outclassed the competition, however in very limited numbers. While estimates vary it appears that only 61 to 64 Big Tank V-twins were built from 1936 to 1941. Of that number an estimated 42 to 50 still survive today including the 1939 example pictured here. (Several more were assembled in 1942 from extra motors and parts that previously did not meet Crocker's inspection criteria.)

The Crocker V-twins were built in varying displacements and with various accessories as dictated by customer preference, and were in effect the first custom bikes one could order from a manufacturer. The last batch of Crockers was produced in 1942 as WWII consumed precious materials and as Crocker priced himself out of the running, losing some $2,500 per bike built from 1936 to 1941. 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 the most opulent, fastest, best handling motorcycle in the world, the premier roadster. It was a hotrod cruiser, the first power cruiser. You got to remember it was 15 miles per hour 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, California 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.

As its serial number implies it was completed in 1939 (apparently in mid-year), and is powered by an engine of 61 cubic inch displacement. While it bears the number 103, it is known that Al Crocker tended to skip serial numbers in order to create the impression that he had produced more motorcycles than actually rolled out of his shop. Thus there is a discrepancy in the estimates of total machines produced and this number is smaller than the serial numbers would indicate.

This particular machine's engine was restored by acknowledged Crocker master restorer Ernie Skelton utilizing original NOS 'Grade A' parts. Johnny Eagles and Randy Wiggins also contributed to the project while Damon Ritchie applied the stunning and accurate paint job.

Once again it can be said that Crockers are 'disappearing,' such is the demand and extremely limited availability. This example of proven pedigree and stunning performance provides a rare opportunity to share in a remarkable vision of unmatched excellence, an investment in both the past and the future as well.