LOT 426 *N
The Hans Schifferle Collection 1947 Indian 1,200cc Big Chief Registration no. not registered (see text) Frame no. 3479452 Engine no. CDG 9452 B (see text)
Sold for £23,000 inc. premium
Lot 426*,N
The Hans Schifferle Collection, 1947 Indian 1,200cc Big ChiefRegistration no. not registered (see text) Frame no. 3479452 Engine no. CDG 9452 B (see text)
The Autumn Sale - The Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show, Stafford|9 October 2021, 12:00 BST|Stafford, Staffordshire County Showground
The Hans Schifferle Collection
1947 Indian 1,200cc Big Chief
Registration no. not registered (see text)
Frame no. 3479452
Engine no. CDG 9452 B (see text)
1947 Indian 1,200cc Big Chief
Registration no. not registered (see text)
Frame no. 3479452
Engine no. CDG 9452 B (see text)
Nowadays the original Indian company is remembered mainly for its powerful, large-capacity v-twins, which first appeared in the 1900s and lasted in production right up to Indian's demise half-a-century later. In 1920 a smaller model, the 600cc Scout, joined the 1,000cc Powerplus and then two years later the range was extended to encompass a new, Scout-based 1,000cc model: the Chief, first of a noble line that would endure until 1953.
Constantly developed, the Chief had gained a new frame and forks, dry-sump lubrication and coil ignition by 1940, that year's models being notable as the first to have plunger rear suspension and the deeply skirted fenders of the quintessential Chief. With war looming, Indian increasingly turned to the production of military models.
Indian's first significant post-war development was a change to girder forks for the 74ci (1,200cc) Big Chief, by then Indian's only model. In 1950 the Chief's engine was stretched to 80ci (1,320cc) and a telescopic front fork, left-foot gear shift and right-hand throttle twist-grip adopted, the latter for the first time on a production Indian. Changes made to the last-of-the-line 1952/53 Chiefs were relatively minor, the most obvious being a smaller front fender and the adoption of a bench-type seat.
This Big Chief was purchased from a Turin-based collector in June 2002. Helmut Lichtenberg advises that both fuel tank halves were rebuilt due to weeping, and the carburettor refurbished, while the engine was found to be good, only requiring new pistons and valves. We are advised that the generator is a little weak (poor charge) and ideally needs rewinding. The machine was exercised annually until approximately eight months ago, while the engine is said to have started 'first kick' when last run.
The Indian was previously registered in the UK as 'GSK 765', 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. It should also be noted that HPI report lists engine number 'CDF410', which may indicate a change of engine.
The machine is offered with German Fahrzeugschein; old ASI Certificato di Identita and correspondence; expired MoTs (2000/2001): purchase receipt; expired TüV (MOT) certificates; and assorted correspondence.
Constantly developed, the Chief had gained a new frame and forks, dry-sump lubrication and coil ignition by 1940, that year's models being notable as the first to have plunger rear suspension and the deeply skirted fenders of the quintessential Chief. With war looming, Indian increasingly turned to the production of military models.
Indian's first significant post-war development was a change to girder forks for the 74ci (1,200cc) Big Chief, by then Indian's only model. In 1950 the Chief's engine was stretched to 80ci (1,320cc) and a telescopic front fork, left-foot gear shift and right-hand throttle twist-grip adopted, the latter for the first time on a production Indian. Changes made to the last-of-the-line 1952/53 Chiefs were relatively minor, the most obvious being a smaller front fender and the adoption of a bench-type seat.
This Big Chief was purchased from a Turin-based collector in June 2002. Helmut Lichtenberg advises that both fuel tank halves were rebuilt due to weeping, and the carburettor refurbished, while the engine was found to be good, only requiring new pistons and valves. We are advised that the generator is a little weak (poor charge) and ideally needs rewinding. The machine was exercised annually until approximately eight months ago, while the engine is said to have started 'first kick' when last run.
The Indian was previously registered in the UK as 'GSK 765', 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. It should also be noted that HPI report lists engine number 'CDF410', which may indicate a change of engine.
The machine is offered with German Fahrzeugschein; old ASI Certificato di Identita and correspondence; expired MoTs (2000/2001): purchase receipt; expired TüV (MOT) certificates; and assorted correspondence.
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.
Saleroom notices
The machine is offered with a selection of detached spares including a saddle and screen.
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. |
