1938 Indian 74ci Chief with Princess Sidecar, Engine no. CCH 1179 B

1938 Indian 74ci Chief with Princess Sidecar
Engine no. CCH 1179 B
• Iconic model of the Indian range
• Fully restored example

By 1938, the Indian Chief model had been the mainstay of the company's motorcycle production and sales for over 15 years. In that time the motorcycle evolved into a graceful and beautiful machine. Introduced in 1935, the Chief gained sweeping streamlined fenders, and these remained until 1940 when the full skirted fenders emerged. Aside from the pleasing cosmetic appearance, the Chief received several engine upgrades to keep it competitive against Harley-Davidson's offering, especially against the new 61 ci. OHV twin later known as the Knucklehead.

To prove the speed of the Chief, Rollie Free took a blueprinted 1938 Chief of stock condition to a record of 109.65 mph on a rough Daytona beach in March of that year. He was hampered by the condition of the sand and suffered from insufficient oil scavenging from the crankcase, yet set a new record. Fred Ludlow in September of that year fixed the problems Free encountered and ran the Chief through the traps at 120.747 mph, significantly faster than its Milwaukee competition with a stock machine.

This 1938 Indian Chief with a Princess sidecar is restored in Mohawk Green with Seminole Cream panels in Indian's popular V-Panel paint scheme, highlighted with gold pin striping. Complementing the paint scheme, the gas tank used the all-gold Indian headdress tank decal. During the DuPont era of Indian ownership, any paint color from the DuPont catalog could be made available for the buyer however the choice with this restoration was a stock color option. Plating options were also an open book. One could even have the wheel rims in cadmium plating if they so desired, at an additional fee of course. This motorcycle has the optional chrome plating on the handlebars which would have added $4.00 to the bill. Much of the hardware is cadmium plated while the engine's cylinders are correctly electro-less nickel plated. Chrome plating became a standard in 1931 with Indian so levers, caps, air cleaner, valve covers, horn face and headlight bezel are enhanced with chrome.

One year only features on this motorcycle include a correct gray and red lettering 120 mph speedometer showing 39459 miles on the odometer, a gray buffalo ignition switch and gray handlebar grips. The year 1938 also introduced the first tank top instrument panel which necessitated a frame modification for the now standard speedometer.

The base price in 1938 for the Indian Chief was $385 and an additional $70 for the Princess sidecar, plus another $10 for the optional brake featured on this sidecar. This sidecar has a windshield mounted from an Alfa Romeo as a personal preference by the owner when the machine was restored, and it enhances the sporting appeal of the entire combination. Indian Chiefs from 1935 through 1939 are highly desirable and very difficult to find. They are so appreciated by their owners for their unbeatable appearance and riding qualities that they rarely come up for sale. This Indian is an excellent opportunity to own an iconic motorcycle that has not been ridden since its restoration.