Mecum Auctions has been selling collector cars for decades and more recently has added divisions focused on vintage motorcycles, antique farm tractors and Road Art (Mecum’s term for automobilia). And on July 19, the auction house will be doing its first stand-alone real estate sale.
Mecum is working with a California-licensed real estate agency to auction a 14-acre estate in San Diego County. The two-parcel estate has 9,000 square feet of living space and garage parking for as many as 20 vehicles, as well as a horse stable and other facilities.
The property is owned by Rita Gregory, an AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame member. Mecum has had a long relationship with Rita and John Gregory and was brought in to handle the real estate auction.
Such a car-oriented property likely has appeal to Mecum’s more affluent bidders.
Is Mecum interested in selling additional car-oriented real estate?
“Absolutely,” responded Paul Demechenko, part of Mecum’s Gone Farmin’ teams and the company’s newly appointed real estate consignment agent. Mecum’s Gone Farmin’ division has previous experience in selling real estate along with vintage farm equipment.
The Gregorys met in Ohio when John was in pharmacy school. They moved to California in a new Chevrolet Corvette, opened a pharmacy and became involved in desert motorcycle racing. In 1968, they discovered that the socks worn by soccer players could provide better protection when worn inside motorcycle-racing boots and they started a business that became JT Racing USA, which produced gear for motorcycle racers and provided sponsorship support of many top racers.
The Gregorys have been credited for bringing motocross racing equipment into the modern age in terms of safety, style and comfort. They were inducted into the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in 2010.
Being offered on July 19 at Fallbrook, California, the hilltop estate includes two Tuscan-style homes in “the heart of Temecula wine country.” The property includes a chef’s kitchen, exercise spa and sauna, swimming pool and tiled patios spanning nearly 3,000 square feet.
The property includes three garages, spanning 7,000 square feet with a hydraulic lift, air compressors, RV bay, steel work counters and sprinkler system. There also is a stable, beach volleyball court and helicopter landing area.
The property can be viewed July 7 or 14 in advance of the on-site auction.
For more information, visit the Mecum website or view the video.
