LOT 425 *N
The Hans Schifferle Collection 1941 Indian 1,279cc Four Registration no. not registered (see text) Frame no. 441259 Engine no. DDA259
Sold for £57,500 inc. premium
Lot 425*,N
The Hans Schifferle Collection, 1941 Indian 1,279cc FourRegistration no. not registered (see text) Frame no. 441259 Engine no. DDA259
The Autumn Sale - The Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show, Stafford|9 October 2021, 12:00 BST|Stafford, Staffordshire County Showground
The Hans Schifferle Collection
1941 Indian 1,279cc Four
Registration no. not registered (see text)
Frame no. 441259
Engine no. DDA259
1941 Indian 1,279cc Four
Registration no. not registered (see text)
Frame no. 441259
Engine no. DDA259
• Very late example
• Already restored when purchased in 2018
• Exercised regularly
Marketed as the Indian Ace for 1928, the Springfield company's first four-cylinder motorcycle had resulted from its purchase of the Ace rights and tooling from Detroit Motors the previous year. The Indian Ace changed little for the next couple of years before the Springfield firm began to put its own characteristic stamp on the Four. This transformation began with a re-style for the 1929 season (Model 401) followed by a new Indian-style twin down-tube frame; a leaf-sprung front fork; and a five-main-bearing crankshaft on the Model 402. Introduced on 1st June 1929, the latter was the biggest single change made to the motor up to mid-1935 when the so-called 'upside down' Four was introduced. Reversing the conventional 'F-head' arrangement, the latter featured overhead exhaust valves with inlets at the side, the theory being that this would provide better cooling and thus increased power. In practice the layout proved somewhat impractical – the exhaust tended to fry the rider's leg despite the heat shield – and few liked the new Four's looks. Updated with twin carburettors for the 1937 model year, it was missing from the '38 catalogue: replaced by a new 78ci (1,279cc) Four that restored the valves to their old positions. Changes after 1938 were few. Production of the Indian Four, America's last four-cylinder motorcycle, ceased in 1942.
One of the world's most beautiful and collectible motorcycles, this Indian Four had already been restored when it was purchased from a Turin based collector in November 2018. Helmut Lichtenberg changed the tyres, serviced the machine, and got it running; sadly, Hans never got the chance to ride it. The Indian was exercised annually until approximately eight months ago.
The Indian was previously registered in the UK as 'ALS 125', and the VRN appears on the HPI database, albeit exported. Nevertheless, prospective purchasers must satisfy themselves with regard to this motorcycle's registration status prior to bidding. Re-registering the machine is the responsibility of the buyer.
The machine is offered with a German Zulassungsbescheinigung (Certificate of Approval/Registration Certificate); expired TüV (MoT) certificates/correspondence; an old UK V5 for the registration 'ASL 125'; and a detached registration plate for 'ASL 125'.
• Already restored when purchased in 2018
• Exercised regularly
Marketed as the Indian Ace for 1928, the Springfield company's first four-cylinder motorcycle had resulted from its purchase of the Ace rights and tooling from Detroit Motors the previous year. The Indian Ace changed little for the next couple of years before the Springfield firm began to put its own characteristic stamp on the Four. This transformation began with a re-style for the 1929 season (Model 401) followed by a new Indian-style twin down-tube frame; a leaf-sprung front fork; and a five-main-bearing crankshaft on the Model 402. Introduced on 1st June 1929, the latter was the biggest single change made to the motor up to mid-1935 when the so-called 'upside down' Four was introduced. Reversing the conventional 'F-head' arrangement, the latter featured overhead exhaust valves with inlets at the side, the theory being that this would provide better cooling and thus increased power. In practice the layout proved somewhat impractical – the exhaust tended to fry the rider's leg despite the heat shield – and few liked the new Four's looks. Updated with twin carburettors for the 1937 model year, it was missing from the '38 catalogue: replaced by a new 78ci (1,279cc) Four that restored the valves to their old positions. Changes after 1938 were few. Production of the Indian Four, America's last four-cylinder motorcycle, ceased in 1942.
One of the world's most beautiful and collectible motorcycles, this Indian Four had already been restored when it was purchased from a Turin based collector in November 2018. Helmut Lichtenberg changed the tyres, serviced the machine, and got it running; sadly, Hans never got the chance to ride it. The Indian was exercised annually until approximately eight months ago.
The Indian was previously registered in the UK as 'ALS 125', and the VRN appears on the HPI database, albeit exported. Nevertheless, prospective purchasers must satisfy themselves with regard to this motorcycle's registration status prior to bidding. Re-registering the machine is the responsibility of the buyer.
The machine is offered with a German Zulassungsbescheinigung (Certificate of Approval/Registration Certificate); expired TüV (MoT) certificates/correspondence; an old UK V5 for the registration 'ASL 125'; and a detached registration plate for 'ASL 125'.
Footnotes
* Import VAT Low Rate
Import tax at the reduced rate of 5% of the Hammer Price and Buyers Premium will apply should the lot remain in the UK.
N (NOVA): This lot is subject to a fee of £125 + VAT payable by the Buyer, to undertake the relevant NOVA and C88 (Customs) clearance applications. Please see the Conditions of Sale for further information.
As with all Lots in the Sale, this Lot is sold 'as is/where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness, and originality prior to bidding.
Saleroom notices
There is a Die Motorradwerkstatt invoice with this lot. The machine is offered with a selection of detached spares including a luggage rail and spark plugs.
Additional information
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- 9 October 2021, 09:00 - 17:00 BST
- 10 October 2021, 09:00 - 17:00 BST
Lot symbols
| * | Import low rate |
| VAT on imported items at a preferential rate of 5% on Hammer Price and the prevailing rate on Buyer's Premium. | |
| N | NOVA declaration |
| If purchased by a UK resident, this machine is subject to a NOVA declaration, whilst the responsibility of submitting the NOVA rests with the Buyer to do so, Bonhams will facilitate the process by engaging an agent (SHIPPIO) to undertake the NOVA and C88 (customs) application if applicable on the Buyer's behalf. A fee of £350 + VAT to do so will be added to the Buyer's invoice. |
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