1912 Indian Model D 7hp Twin

• Restored in the USA
• Purchased by Vic Norman in 2007
• Many-time Pioneer Run participant
• Requires recommissioning

Oscar Hedstrom and Oliver Hendee, both active in the cycle racing world, got together to found the Hendee Manufacturing Company and build the first prototype Indian motorcycle in 1901. That first machine was powered by a single-cylinder, 'F-head' (inlet over exhaust) engine that formed part of the 'diamond' frame, in the Indian's case it sloped rearwards to act as the seat tube. An advanced feature in motorcycling's early, pioneering days, chain drive was used by Indian right from the start.

The Indian single proved immensely successful and provided the basis for the first of the powerful, large-capacity v-twins for which the marque is best remembered. Indian's first, 38.61cu in (633cc) v-twin appeared in 1907 with an engine clearly derived from that of the single, though mechanical inlet valves - introduced for 1908 - were an early improvement. The twin's rear cylinder continued to form part of the frame until 1909 when a loop frame of the type favoured by rivals Harley-Davidson was adopted. The Springfield firm's first 'Big Twin' debuted that same year displacing 60.32cu in (988cc). At the end of 1915 the Big Twin, by this time equipped with 61cu in (998cc) engine, leaf-sprung frame and three-speed countershaft gearbox, was superseded by a new 'flat head' v-twin - the Powerplus - thus bringing to an end a noble line.

This Big Twin dates from 1912, a year in which Indian sales benefited considerably from the firm's famous 1-2-3 finish at the 1911 Isle of Man TT, a remarkable achievement made possible by the advantages conferred by the use of all-chain drive. Vic Norman purchased the Indian from Bonhams' 2007 Legend of the Motorcycle Sale, (Lot 33). At that time the motorcycle was described as follows:

"Acquired by the vendor in 1988 from Beamont, CA, the machine had been kept in storage in the immediately preceding owner's house since 1955 and thus has enjoyed only two owners in the past 52 years. Between 2000 and 2007 it was restored to 'better than new' condition by the vendor, an enthusiast with many years experience of Indian motorcycles and numerous awards to his credit. Not started since completion, this superbly restored Big Twin is offered with California Certificate of Title."

Since Vic Norman's purchase in 2007, the motorcycle has benefited from the manufacture and installation of new steering head bearings (see correspondence on file) and has been campaigned by Vic on numerous Sunbeam Motor Cycle Club Pioneer Runs. The machine has now acquired a very nice patina having been put to work as its maker intended; indeed, Vic's natural ability to master all things mechanical has transformed this Indian from a concours display piece to a living, breathing piece of motorcycling Americana.

Unused in recent years due to Vic's advancing years, countless other projects and the change in the Sunbeam Motor Cycle Club's Pioneer Run 'finish' from Madeira Drive in Brighton to Shoreham airport, the Indian will require careful recommissioning before returning to the road. A most substantial file of documents comes with it, including the all-important Sunbeam MCC Pioneer Certificate.

It should be noted that Indian motorcycles of this period did not have frame numbers; however, the machine has been fitted with a frame number plaque (No. 80D793) for UK registration purposes.