c.1942 Indian 500cc Model 741 Scout Military Motorcycle

Registration no. FDG 212 Frame no. 741 5032 Engine no. GDA12935

• De-mobbed and sold by Pride & Clarke in 1946
• Acquired by the previous owner in 2002
• Restored to military specification
• Many-time Malvern Classic Bike Show award winner
• Featured in The Classic Motor Cycle

A smaller Indian v-twin model, the 37ci (600cc) Scout, joined the 61ci Powerplus in 1920. The newcomer soon gained a deserved reputation for durability: 'You can't wear out an Indian Scout' becoming its advertising slogan. Contributing to this longevity was the use of gears for the primary drive rather than the customary chain, and this unusual feature would endure until 1933. A 45ci (750cc) variant was first offered in 1927 and then in April 1928 the 101 Scout appeared featuring a revised 750cc 'flat head' engine in a new, longer-wheelbase frame. This sporting model would prove an immense success for Indian, so much so that its replacement in 1931 by a heavier Chief-framed model was greeted with dismay. Introduced in 1934, the Sport Scout went some way towards retrieving the Scout's reputation, featuring a lighter 'keystone' (open) frame and European-style girder forks. During WW2's early years the Scout was produced for Allied forces in 30.07ci (500cc) and 45ci military versions, designated Models 741 and 640 respectively, before the US Army switched to the ubiquitous Jeep. The designation later changed to 741A (500cc) and 741B (750cc).

Built circa 1942 as a military model, this 741 Scout was de-mobbed after the war and sold off in 1946 via the famous Pride & Clarke dealership in South London. Many years later (in August 2002) the civilianised Indian was purchased by previous owner Tony Hutchinson. Tony decided to restore the machine and return it to military specification, as well as acquiring a GI helmet, uniform, and Thompson sub-machine gun (deactivated) to complete the ensemble. The Indian has since been ridden on various parades and won no fewer than six awards at the Malvern Classic Bike Show over the period 2005-2009. It has also been the subject of an article published in The Classic Motor Cycle's March 2011 edition (copy available). Accompanying documentation consists of a V5C Registration Certificate; a quantity of MoTs dating back to 2006 (most recent expired 2019); and a firearms deactivation certificate for the Tommygun. The MoTs show that the Indian had covered only 2,215 post-restoration miles by the time the last was issued in 2018. The aforementioned Tommygun, helmet, uniform and concours awards are included in the sale together with instruction manuals for the motorcycle and Tommygun. A guaranteed head-turner at any military vehicle event or 1940s gathering, this wonderfully evocative Indian Scout is sure to delight the fortunate next owner.
Offered without key