There's a constant controversy regarding Crockers. Many of the bikes available today were never complete bikes, but pieced together. A complete Crocker is rare as hen's teeth as you will see:
Hi David:
I just looked over your wonderful description of the Crocker in Otis Chandler's collection. I agree with ALMOST everything in your statement. I am the Proud owner of Crocker #58 which is ALSO a SMALL TANK. Mine was not the Last Small Tank produced either. There was a #61, 62, &63 made before the transition to Large Tank. I tried to correct this mistake when Otis had the bike in his museum to no avail. #63 was wrecked and the engine was put in a large tank chassis. #62 is incomplete, and in the possession of one Frank Smith of Kansas. The engine #'s went to 100 with the Large tank. The 1st large tank was #103 which belongs to Daniel Statnikov. This has been documented to the “Booze Fighters” and one Jack Lily who is still alive. Technically I have THE LAST COMPLETE ORIGINAL SMALL TANK. And by the way, that #55 engine was in a different chassis belonging to one Richard Morris who took the engine out and put an earlier Hemi Head in his chassis. I have documented history of #55 going back to the 50's to a one Herb Fagan who sold it to the “Ross Brothers” I have pictures of that bike with Candy Apple paint and a Vard Front end. R Morris bought it from them. For the price the buyer will pay, he should KNOW that #55 is NOT the Last Small Tank ever produced. I would be happy to provide any further documentation upon request.
Respectfully Yours,
–Mark Smith
