1941 Indian 30ci 741 Scout Military, Engine no. GDA32908

1941 Indian 30ci 741 Scout Military
Engine no. GDA32908
• All proceeds from this sale to go to the Veterans Count charity
• Authentically restored to battle-ready condition, U.S. Army livery
• Vintage G.I. helmet and replica Tommy gun included in sale

When Indian went to war after Pearl Harbor, three different models were conscripted, and the factory even developed a completely new machine to do battle with Field Marshall Rommel and his vaunted Afrika Korps. While rival Harley-Davidson got the bigger military contracts, Indian still contributed 40,000-plus machines to the war effort, supplying bikes to U.S. armed services and those of our allies. Even the big Chief 74 pulled duty, renamed 340B in military parlance, most fitted with sidecars. It's said that France ordered 5,000 340B outfits before the country's fall, rumor insisting that many are still resting in their crates on the ocean floor, victims of U-boat torpedoes. The 640B, a militarized Sport Scout, was produced in smaller numbers, perhaps 2500 units. In answer to a government request to supply a motorcycle that could stand up to the chain-eating sands of North Africa, Indian developed and built 1,000 Model 841s, a 750cc transverse V-twin design with shaft final drive. Rommel's withdrawal from that theater and the amazing capabilities of the Jeep meant that the 841s remained in a warehouse, many sold off after the war for $500 apiece. In fact, a surplus civilianized 841 was the favorite ride of company boss E. Paul duPont.

By far the most prolific of war Indians was the 741B Scout, some 35,000 of which saw service. Power came from a 30.50ci (500cc) V-twin repurposed from the prewar Junior Scout. To cope with the low-octane gasoline often found in war zones, compression ratio was lowered, which also aided reliability and made kickstarting easier – never a bad thing when someone is shooting at you. A huge canister-style air filter kept dirt and debris out of engine's innards. Chassis-wise, longer forks increased ground clearance (and became popular with chopper builders after the war), and provided a location for a gun scabbard and ammo box. Fenders were simple flat blades, mounted with enough wheel clearance to prevent packed mud from halting forward progress. Leather saddlebags were hung from a heavy-duty rear carrier, with capacity on top for even more kit. A perforated shield was fitted to the engine's right side to cut down on radio interference from the ignition system.

The Jalbert Collection's military Scout is freshly restored to an accurate and impressive level, has logged only a few test miles and is ready for display, D-Day reenactments or easy, attention-getting rides to the local bike show. The authentic WWII-era helmet and replica Thompson submachine gun seen in the photos will be included with the lot. All proceeds from sale of the 741 will be donated to Veterans Count, one of the charities Mr. Jalbert works with, the philanthropic arm of Easterseals' Military and Veteran Services which provides critical and timely financial assistance and other aid to veterans, service members and their families, the goal being to "ensure their dignity, health and overall well-being". A noble motorcycle, then, for a noble cause.