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The longest-standing family-operated Harley-Davidson dealership in the United States has been sold after more than 70 years of successful operation.

The devoted owners, passionate about Harley, have passed on their legacy to a dealership group as they prepare for retirement.

Historic Family-Owned Harley-Davidson Dealership in the U.S. Changes Hands as New Group Takes Over — A Harley-Davidson dealership in Rock Hill, South Carolina, has been sold after 70 years of success
Credit: Google Maps

The store was the longest-running family-owned shop in the US
Credit: Getty

The Cox family has been at the helm of the Rock Hill shop in South Carolina, a suburb of Charlotte, North Carolina, since 1961.

However, motorbike enthusiast Carson Baker, a prominent figure in the automotive sector, finalized the purchase this past week.

Now, Jan Cox, one of the co-owners, looks forward to retirement and hopes that Baker will achieve the same level of success her family had.

“We had a remarkable journey serving riders from York County, Charlotte, Greenville, Myrtle Beach, and beyond,” Cox shared with PowerSports Business.

“We genuinely hope that the new owner receives the same warm welcome as we did while continuing this service.”

Cox expressed heartfelt gratitude to their customers and is eager to keep tabs on the family’s additional store in Asheboro, North Carolina.

“The loyalty and commitment you have shown us are deeply appreciated,” she noted.

“We are excited about what lies ahead for our Asheboro location.”

Recil Cox, the founder of the family enterprise, initially juggled his day job at a textile mill to keep the business afloat.

Once the Harley dealership began to turn a profit, Recil was able to devote himself to his passion project full-time.

‘What about the warranties?’ cry drivers after Harley-Davidson dealership closes – its nearest location is an hour away

“Finding three generations of family business ownership is rare these days,” remarked Stephen Cox, who manages the family’s second location in Asheboro.

“The unparalleled customer loyalty and a dedicated team that upholds both the Cox name and Harley-Davidson’s legacy are truly special.”

Baker has since rebranded the store as Dog House Harley-Davidson of Rock Hill and included it in his expanding dealership collection.

The new owner emphasized his passion for automotive sales and his drive to keep growing.

“We’re actively seeking more locations and are working on new deals,” he informed PowerSports Business in January.

“I live and breathe this industry. I work seven days a week, and I’m passionate about it.

“I’m incredibly proud of our team.”

Harley-Davidson closures in 2024

There are over 650 Harley-Davidson dealerships nationwide.

However, several stores have shut down for various reasons in 2024, often with little to no explanation.

Below is a list of some Harley-Davidson locations that have closed this year and the reasons, if any, cited for their closures:

The San Francisco location closed its doors in June after 110 years due to ‘chaos’ caused by new management.

Miracle City Harley-Davidson in Titusville, Florida, shut down in September without providing any reason.

Harley-Davidson’s historic location in New York City closed on September 28, with the owner referencing economic challenges.

Reiman’s Harley-Davidson dealership in Kewanee, Illinois, ceased operations in October after the owners sold the business to the Walter Brothers Harley Davidson dealership in Peoria, Illinois.

Additionally, the dealership in West Bend, Wisconsin, is temporarily closing for the season from November 2 until April 1, 2024.

Some Harley-Davidson shops are permanently closing, a trend that enthusiasts claim poses problems for bikers.

Other fans have celebrated following the release of new branded car accessories.

Additionally, there are opportunities for Harley fans to secure assistance in purchasing their dream motorcycle.

Longstanding Family-Owned Rock Hill Harley-Davidson Dealership Changes Ownership

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A Harley Davidson dealership with a legacy of family ownership spanning several decades has officially changed ownership.

Cox’s Harley-Davidson of Rock Hill, previously part of the Cox family dealerships, has been acquired by Baker VTwin2, owned by Carson Baker, as stated in a news release. The dealership has now been rebranded as Dog House Harley-Davidson and will continue to operate from the same building established by the Cox family in 2006.

The Cox family has been involved in the Harley-Davidson business for 70 years, managing dealerships across multiple states along the Eastern seaboard. They originally took ownership of this particular dealership in 2004, as noted in the release.

The specifics of the financial arrangement have not been publicly disclosed.

Jan Cox, the former dealer principal of Rock Hill, indicated in the release that her choice to sell was influenced by her upcoming retirement.

“We had a tremendous journey serving riders from York County, Charlotte, Greenville, Myrtle Beach, and beyond,” Cox remarked in the release. “We hope the new owner will be embraced by the community as they carry on this legacy. With heartfelt gratitude, we extend our best wishes to our customers, the community, and our staff members. Your loyalty and support have meant the world to us, and we eagerly anticipate the future for our Asheboro (North Carolina) location.”

The Asheboro location continues to be managed by Stephen Cox, the third-generation owner of Cox’s Harley-Davidson.

“It’s a rarity to find three generations of family ownership in business today,” Stephen Cox stated in the release. “The unwavering loyalty of our customers, combined with a dedicated team that cherishes both the Cox legacy and the Harley-Davidson brand, is truly exceptional. That’s how it has always been.”

According to the release, Cox’s is recognized as the oldest family-owned Harley-Davidson dealership in North Carolina. In 1961, Recil Cox, the founder and a motorcycle enthusiast, opened the original location on Crestview Church Road in Asheboro while still working in a textile mill. He continued his job as a textile equipment mechanic while managing the dealership each evening after returning home.