Ian Gabriele
Specialist
LOT 104
1947 Indian Chief Frame no. CDG38 45B
Sold for US$19,550 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve
Lot 104
1947 Indian Chief
1947 Indian Chief
Frame no. CDG38 45B
Frame no. CDG38 45B
Its scarcely debatable that there is there a more iconic shape in American motorcycling than a skirted red Indian Chief. Those excessive fenders are unmistakable; then as now, they differentiate the bike apart from anything else on the road. Funnily enough the fenders didn't make their appearance on an Indian until 1940, some 39 years after the company's founding. In 1940, Indian went all-in on the design, outfitting Scouts, Chief and Fours with the new tinware. Sadly after having lost the Dept. Of Ordinance contract to Harley-Davidson for the production of military bikes for the war effort, after the war only the Chief would return. To worsen matters in the early 1950's a series of financial and engineering missteps doomed the company and Chiefs were still being sold when the Springfield, Massachusetts factory shut its doors in 1953.
This 1947 Chief being offered is a superb example of the marque. Finished in the signature "Red" a shade Indians have worn since their early board track days. This Indian was restored to an extremely high level, prior to its proud display in a mid-town Manhattan living-room since the late 1990's. The restoration has held up extremely well. With forethought, this Indian has been dry stored and is eager for recommissioning. Retaining many of its original fixtures and not over restored, this Indian presents an exciting opportunity to be enjoyed by another generation of collector.
This 1947 Chief being offered is a superb example of the marque. Finished in the signature "Red" a shade Indians have worn since their early board track days. This Indian was restored to an extremely high level, prior to its proud display in a mid-town Manhattan living-room since the late 1990's. The restoration has held up extremely well. With forethought, this Indian has been dry stored and is eager for recommissioning. Retaining many of its original fixtures and not over restored, this Indian presents an exciting opportunity to be enjoyed by another generation of collector.
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