American Pickers Star Mike Wolfe’s "As Found Collection" // Mecum Las Vegas Motorcycles Jan. 24-28

Mike Wolfe’s story is one bound together with arcane tales of the hunt-a quest to locate and rescue some of the most legendary and long-forgotten relics of yesteryear, uncovering motorcycles and bicycles hidden in fields, cellars and rafters that were unknowingly designated as time capsules, their archaic badges and worn rubber waiting to be uncovered and itching to see the light of day-and potentially pavement-once again. Some of these motorcycles, such as the Harley-Davidsons and Indians, are legends among the antique and vintage motorcycle-collector community, existing as hallowed machines that give a reason for the hunt and an excuse for Wolfe to feed his obsession with the lost and obscure.
What has evolved from one curious young child roaming the back alleys of Bettendorf, Iowa, into a massive collection of some of the world’s rarest and most highly sought-after motorcycles, has now turned into a once-in-a-lifetime offering christened The As Found Collection, an assemblage containing more than 70 two-wheeled icons, all from Mike Wolfe’s private collection and, for the very first time, prepared to impress a new set of owners as they cross the auction block in Las Vegas at Mecum’s 32nd annual Vintage & Antique Motorcycle Auction.
www.mecum.com/auctions/las-ve...

[@markjaycox8811]

Mike is a living gem of history who will shine in many hearts for many years to come.

[@silverstar4289]

Mike did a great service by getting so many historic cycles out of obscure places and back into circulation. As they go to new homes, many will be completed to running condition

[@tjmmcd1]

You posted this comment back in February, 2023, AFTER the January Mecum motorcycle auction was completed. Why don't you note that Mike Wolfe DID NOT SELL any bike from his collection?

[@chrischallis4240]

Well said...couldn’t have put it better myself...amazing collection of mechanical history..

[@1m2a3t4t5]

@tjmmcd. What is your comment about. Not making sense to me. He didnt sell any bikes from his collection? Thats what this video is about

[@rickintexas1584]

What a great collection. I definitely love that 1914 Harley Davidson.

[@charlesmiddleton3247]

So much passion for something he loves. From his early childhood to the present, Mike nurtured his love of American made motorcycles from early beginnings collecting and fixing bicycles. What a dream!!

[@markjaycox8811]

and he followed his dream and became successful. I hope he became happy, too.

[@paulgrogan8032]

Mike's knowledge and interest in motorcycles absolutely makes me want to share a frosty beverage and chat.

[@cindypatels]

Hello Paul how are you doing

[@jpmcmotor6890]

@@cindypatels Hello Cynthia how are YOU doing/

[@vorhese]

"sharing my love" is code for "show me your checkbook"

[@MrWolfSnack]

you're not paying for the bike. you're paying to own that history. to honor it. to cherish it. to enjoy it. that's what that checkbook is doing coming out to play. remember that.

[@Chopper650]

Give them away for free comrade?

[@douglash9364]

Good to see you letting go Wolfe, hardest thing we do as an adult and single handedly the most important. Over 70 bikes....dang. Going to be a lot of very happy people out there.

[@jamesholmes5631]

Kudos Mike. For sharing your collection of suck a Great History. Thank you sir.

[@edgarjohnso841]

Thank you Mike for making us appreciate what was lost and learned to see the value and appreciation in what was old stayed old good job Mike

[@pacificmike9501]

I wish them wonderful homes. I've enjoyed your presentations for years. Thank You.

[@bmwdan3445]

Good luck mike, miss you on the pickers, wish you the best!

[@buckshot6481]

Do you miss Frank the little buddy He screwed over ? Sick, dying and broke. The show always was fake

[@JOHNNIEBEBAD]

Whatever his reason..He is still the guy that traveled endlessly to collect these bikes and bring them to you,His knowledge and passion is not within reach because these bikes come from a different time.Thank you for hours you shared in our living rooms over the years and remaining true to your passion.Whatever the reason..Thank you.

[@kendrarenea9269]

Money in the bank his daughter would definitely know what to do.

[@rlh4331]

Great preview - thanks Mike for keeping history alive.

[@cindypatels]

Hello,how are you doing

[@jpmcmotor6890]

@@cindypatels And tell me Cindy, how are you doin yourself?

[@robertphelan6651]

Thanks Mike, loved this, and the Tan, and Cream HD :42 I always loved the full fender fat tank bikes from that era.

[@dericksmith2137]

30yrs ago I was living in Regina Saskatchewan Canada. Working in a small engine shop with a guy named ‘Norm’. Norm fixed bikes on the side and needed help 1 time. This involved going to some little out of the way farm. On the farm we’re 5 large quanset buildings. At the farm I met the most disagreeable older gent. The gent owned the farm and all its contents. His family, wife and 3 kids had all passed over the years. The farms inventory ranged from ancient tractors, a few cloth skinned airplanes, an array of old cars and trucks, to 1 huge quanset completely filled with bikes! The part Norm needed, the old gent knew exactly where to send me looking. Even knew exactly which 3 tools I was going to need to retrieve it. I couldn’t ‘walk’ to the area in the building he pointed to, I had to climb/crawl over old cloth tarps and constructed wood deckings. When I fell thru a tarp, I was looking at an amazing Vincent. The bikes the old fella had googled my mind. With no one to inherit (the gent was in his 70’s), it seemed horrific to see such a huge collection of history hidden away unappreciated out there. Years later a new term for that type of collector became common - Hoarder! But the old gent knew darn near everything he had and exactly where it was, and could even give a short story of where he found it, bought it, it’s previous life & owner.

[@jimmyjambon9206]

There are about a half dozen bikes in there that will cover his entire investment. The rest is gravy. Good on you Mike Wolfe.

[@rockkhound943]

He is a very calculated person

[@grendel0013]

Mike is at the point in his life where he needs to start selling his collection so his daughter doesn't get left the burden. Just like so many of the sellers that we've seen on American Pickers. Charlie is gonna be set financially thanks to her dad's hard work. 👍

[@6996brandyl]

I think you right , like Mike is 100 years old & ready to kick the bucket, You don't think that he was cheating on his wife & she filed for divorce & the judge ruled Mike to pay his wife $6 Million has anything with sell all his bikes after he just moved them & set all up in Tennessee

[@grendel0013]

@@6996brandyl Lol. Is this true? I haven’t been keeping up on my Pickers gossip. Damn Mike!🤣

[@kaydesign]

Wolf has seen enough collectors who didn’t realized that they didn’t had enough time to fix everything 😊

[@thedragon2299]

Awesome collection, thanks for sharing with us. Billy Lane of Choppers inc is also now located in Columbia, TN. As some of you already know Mike and Billy are good friends. 🐲🐉🐲

[@canadianfloormasters]

As a very long time collector of vintage everything I can tell you that Mike has passion for everything he collects. It really takes one to know one and everyday I surround myself with things I love and I do it to bring back memories of my youth. Some people blow there money in bars where I make my own flux capacitor at home and live life the way I want to see it.

[@billyturner1600]

What's wrong with blowing your money In a bar a lot of people like the bar scene

[@andrewbecker3700]

It's no accident this collection is going to a large prestigious auction. Gotta love it when a plan comes together. If he looses money on even 1 bike, I'd be surprised.

[@chipsammich2078]

Divorces suck..

[@nwc3270]

Yup marriage is grand , divorce is $300 grand 😂

[@sw6188]

looses?

[@mudkings]

Without being a tv star this collection never makes mecum

[@Chopper650]

u have no idea

[@donnichols6766]

"'As found"' agree, so good to have the story as you see it

[@Leo-vf3py]

Love to have one of those sweet golden goodness in one place keep up the good work great shows

[@williammiller1732]

When tv money goes away collections gotta be sold

[@chrisgaskill7923]

A few jealous comments lol thanks for saving the history and passing them along mike

[@robinthepresent2952]

It is a sad day, you can tell he really loves those bikes

[@MacOne53]

Appreciate your efforts. Well done.

[@TRUMPKILLA]

Thank you Mike!

[@tommymartin4827]

Definitely going to be one for the books 📚

[@lexxermonstermachine]

Love it, I’m 100% the same collector

[@simonevans343]

What a nice chap. Nice bikes as well

[@justingreen4450]

Good job Mike Wolfe.

[@7viewerlogic670]

Wow, those are nice bikes!

[@wiiliamgarwood2158]

A very nice collection .

[@loveheals1020]

Beautiful! My uncle loves those, so did my father. I wish Mecum could find my necklace..

[@josephlilley9249]

I’m 29, I’ve never really been into older motorcycles and def not Harley’s or Indians, I always wanted a sport bike or super moto/ editors motorcycle. I got my first bike 2 months ago, a Kim 390 and I absolutely love it and love riding. I’ve put 2000 miles on it in just 2 months and now all of a sudden I love old Harley’s and Indians lol. For those that don’t know, there’s no other feeling like riding a motorcycle on some smooth country roads at sunset. It truly feels like freedom and makes all your stress disappear. I’ll never stop riding and I’m glad I got talked into getting a motorcycle no matter what kind of bike.

[@nickreynolds3702]

Not a big fan of Harley’s and Indian but these pre 50s Harley’s are beautiful and so are the Indians and mike is an icon been watching American pickers most of my existence

[@_._._._._._._._]

Get well soon Frank

[@maybesomeday2596]

Like the line from A Christmas Story: “…a lousy commercial.”

[@stephenhenion8304]

Good luck, Mike!!!

[@DZCamaro-kz2vd]

Mike Wolfe is a down to earth nice guy!

[@JAAB9296]

Not if you personally knew the guy.

[@dopeytripod]

go ask Frank what he thinks of Mike

[@wonyankeesays5661]

IM PRETTY SURE MIKE GOT BEAT UP A LOT WHEN HE WAS A KID,,,HE IS A WANK

[@rifles_up2263]

Too bad his soon to be ex-wife doesn’t think so,then he could keep his bikes

[@westsparks6844]

He would stab you in the back as soon as you turned around, just ask Frank

[@stevemiller2210]

Best of luck to you Mike

[@lucky-rowe2623]

I haven't been to The Vegas auction since 2015..Looks like I will have to get there this year.

[@adrianlois7322]

I like your program Américan Pickers 👋from Argentina

[@NorCalSaint]

Gettin out while the gettin is good...

[@garywright9053]

Absolutely love you Mike lovely man with a massive passion for what you do very big kind heart love from England really enjoy your show 👍👍👍

[@DDubya004]

The Jay Leno of classic American bikes! He even wore a jean shirt XD I love it, what a collection!

[@johnchambers427]

People like Mike Wolfe is the reason why ordinary old guys like me can't find them kind of bikes.

[@geoffreycarson2311]

I HOPE All Goes Well FOR Your MIKE !!!Keep ONE And STAY In The WIND Bro a Limey Old TRIUMPH Rider g

[@keepontruckinoutlawlife1248]

Too cool MIKE

[@digbysdownunder]

What a collection..

[@lincolnbergen5226]

Have watching Mike for many years as a lot of us have, hope he's not selling because he has to .🍻

[@TheMjphoto45]

He has to...

[@rockkhound943]

He wants to . Moving on to other things of interest

[@tonygrissom6564]

I want to still like Mike these days, but man, it's extremely difficult after the Frank fallout.

[@daveco1270]

Everyone gets to the point where they just wanna share the love... for top dollar of course. : ) Just busting his balls a little. Mike's got some cool bikes for sure. I'll be watching to see them at Mecum.

[@gearjammergamer8560]

Were in the beginning stages of a recession. Lots of these guys are "sharing the love" by selling expensive shit right now when they can get top dollar.

[@rbtdoster]

Top dollar would have been a year ago - at this point, he'll probably get 80% of what he would have gotten at the peak.

[@drewmiller3462]

Mike is a very honest dealer being that when going through people barns or where ever, he would come across amazing finds and the people were unaware of what the actually had and would ask for next to nothing. Mike would always come forward and explain the value and give what it was worth. At least he did in front of the cameras.

[@maxwell431]

Not really he screws people ALL the time lmfao.......

[@sergeantmasson3669]

@@maxwell431 especially his coworkers. He saw to it that Frank got fired and Danielle quit because of Mike's crap. The show is no longer on the air either.

[@pkd.81]

@@sergeantmasson3669 New episodes airing since 2 January 2023. With Danielle. 🤣

[@wileecoyote5749]

05:08 "it's just time" No,it's just circumstances

[@rustyrobinson8027]

Thanks

[@MickOTooleroadglide]

I hope Dale Wheels Though Time is there, that where some of the rarer one should go, thanks to Mike for finding these beautiful bikes

[@sw6188]

Dale Walksler passed away February 3 last year after a 4 year battle with cancer.

[@toddwilliams5905]

@@sw6188 Son and Dale's wife are still running it and have big plans for a new museum.

[@prettywiseovo3583]

Such a collection sheesh just to have a 1/4 of his collection !!!!

[@ericfaley9019]

There are some very significant motorcycles there. I used to watch the show and saw some of the picks. Fantastic. Some of these should bring good money. But if I remember right he is or was going through a divorce. Someone will be asking for a portion of it.

[@johnzero8923]

That was a great show back when it started hope frank is doing well,

[@patmayer7222]

,,,,,land o' lakes,wi...here,,,,,,,,,,I just learned more about parts watching this,,,,I recycle metal ,,,and am always looking hard at what I pick up,get,,,,,,...so every time I see these vids,,,I see what,where,these pieces of motorcycles go to or belong to,,I've studied this over and over,,,,and have better knowledge because of this vid,!!.....tnx,for posting,Mr.Wolf,,,,,...a visit to your store,showroom will be on my bucket list.....,,,so cool,,,big fan of show from day one,,,it's what I've done all my life,,(62 y.o.),,,,😯😯..........pat.,,,,,,,p.s.,,,,if I think I have a great peice,part,,,I will contact you about it( vintage,very old,motorcycle only)...most definitely.........peace,

[@chipsammich2078]

Your punctuation and grammar is Meth-headish

[@sw6188]

Is your comma key faulty?

[@packrcch]

that auction would hurt me so bad...but i would know that they are going to good homes before i die....i would not worry about leaving them behind.

[@joezambrano696]

You're awesome mike

[@clydebathurst8651]

😅

[@ChrisSaddlerSam]

ΜΙΚΕ, u r a Legend!!!

[@westsparks6844]

Far from it. People that know him says he he is an asshole

[@barrypierce9100]

Nice job mike

[@pnotuner1]

On the last pickers video I saw where Mike was talking about wrenching on cars, I commented that And I reiterate that, I have never seen Mike turn a wrench.

[@adeh503]

Living every blokes dream

[@brianwinters4991]

Hey Mike , I'm still riding my 48 pan !

[@bryanluntz1603]

Beautiful Collection Mike Has been great watching somebody as passionate and knowledgeable as yourself but and collect those bikes Surprised you are selling Hope someone buys the complete collection together

[@wccollins2212]

Awesome

[@donelmore2540]

I contacted the “Pickers” once to see if Mike had an “ELMORE” bicycle. The response I got was, “Mike doesn’t sell anything in his collection!” Well, that didn’t really answer my question since I didn’t ask to purchase anything. So I still don’t know if he has an Elmore bicycle.

[@westsparks6844]

He comes across as arrogant. When the show first started they used to fleece the old people. Then the negative press started about that and they sort of changed tactics how they operated. Seller wants $300 for an item, Mike says I can only pay $100, then after deal is made, I paid $100, I know I can get $600. Just as bad as pawn stars.

[@donelmore2540]

@@westsparks6844 I used to be an antique dealer so I understand that he can’t pay retail for his shop as profit is the goal. That part doesn’t bother me. I just thought the response I got was kind of rude in its tone.

[@westsparks6844]

@@donelmore2540 a difference of not paying retail but a fair price to the seller, that is what is wrong. I'm not labeling you personally, but I always thought antique shops had their merchandise marked up way to high also. Guess that is why their shelves were always full and they had the same merchandise everytime i would stop and browse

[@donelmore2540]

@@westsparks6844 Most antique shops are prepared to bargain down so most dealers take that into consideration when pricing. A 10% discount is common to give to anyone with a pulse. If I found something in an antique shop that I might want, I would ask for a dealers’ discount, which could be any amount over the standard 10% and often just the 10% given to anyone. In my experience, the antique business has collapsed. Most shops are just junk shops now. The most common explanation is that young people now are not interested in old things. My favorite joke about the business is, “Two antique dealers on a desert island with one chest of drawers. They both made a living!”

[@demoagainforyou]

great!

[@THEMHGIII]

Mike Wolf is a first class tool!

[@zoozercattacrezooz4646]

Frank... is that you?

[@THEMHGIII]

@@zoozercattacrezooz4646 lol nope, just someone who quit watching the show; because Mike Wolf is a first class tool!

[@zoozercattacrezooz4646]

@@THEMHGIII oh Frank, you'll get back on your feet lil guy.. chin up

[@kreggdanuser2963]

Badass

[@lawrencetrevor617]

What's the make of that beautiful car you're driving at the start ?. Even in their rusty and worn state these bikes are 'stand alone' works of art. Amazing collection, always enjoy your shows here in the UK, your knowledge and enthusiasm is impressive.

[@randylaubach]

1958 Chevrolet Impala

[@ImTHATguy...]

I've been wanting to buy an old Indian Chief or the 4 cylinder for years, but there's just non that pop up anywhere close to me where i could go see it in person and make a comfortable purchase. Some day...

[@scuzzytwo7556]

Some of your bikes look good.

[@bubblesbullock8977]

I love watching Ur show I've watched every show. I'm sorry to hear about Frank 😞. Hope all is well with you. In keep it up

[@westsparks6844]

He screwed Frank, that is the type of guy he is, screws everyone to make a buck

[@lespangen]

I’m kinda over arrogant Mike since he dumped Frank Simply no longer watch

[@JohnThomas-tb5kd]

I hope the Barber Museum buys a couple of these.

[@misterbee4574]

Mike, Please save Frank. That is all.

[@tombryan1]

I hear ya, my gril bike is an 04 fishgill tailfin model S, only 3 made and I have 4

[@rifles_up2263]

Don’t get married kings 👑

[@jimmyusee]

"Share the love in Vegas" , and make a fortune doing it. 👍 😁

[@jamesdurstine8892]

You hear the same from all the pics From them collector's Happy holidays everybody Peace everyone CROWMAN ✌️

[@carllynn2150]

His hard work & determination, is & will be his retirement plan, the American way 🇺🇸

[@chipsammich2078]

His divorce was finalized recently.. His wife recieved $6,000,000, alimony and royalties to the show.. Im sure that's the main deciding factor to this sale

[@frankcastle6003]

in 1983, 18 years old, I bought a 1958 impala ss all original except for the interior. 2,500. so sad

[@oldmatelinc]

As they say.... "it's only original once"🤘

[@mysterycomment1553]

Most are not original. Repainted etc. that’s why it’s called “As Found” collection.

[@oldmatelinc]

@@mysterycomment1553 I'm well aware of that🤦‍♂️my comment was referring to a comment said in the video......

[@AlteredCarbons]

god man... i see the "american pickers" in my sub lineup and was like "NO HE DIDN'T DIE!!" thanks for the heart attack

[@wileecoyote5749]

Unfortunately spoke too soon. Let us pray. RIP

[@toddbowles8201]

He’s become the people he picked

[@racerx7319]

WHERE'S FRANK . IS HE GOING TO GET HIS CUT .

[@bob5074]

I didn’t see that HDVW VonDutch motorcycle….he’s keeping that one

[@kennylewis8275]

Hos comment- "Its just time" That's all we are ever given

[@jpmcmotor6890]

Time to pay the wife🤓

[@rockb]

😍

[@claytonfields8017]

Hi ho Mike Wolfe, say was this video made in Columbia, TN. ? If so which Motorcycle shop in Columbia, TN. do YOU select to have your Motorcycles serviced? Thanks, Clayton

[@JR-ze1fv]

Yeah that's great. Bring Frank back...

[@roguecheddar]

Frank had a stroke and is disabled.

[@hortenseplaceg9740]

We are not really “ own” anything ( that’s include our body and mind), everything are temporary, enjoyed for a brief moment.

[@toddgittins5692]

The cheap part was buying them. Expensive part, making them nice. That's why he likes stuff rusty. More to the story.

[@1m2a3t4t5]

Restoration isnt for everyone

[@RolloTommassi-jl1gb]

I was wondering why they kept a focus on him so much instead of the bikes.