1947 Indian 74ci Chief Frame no. 347 6188 Engine no. CDG6840B
1947 Indian 74ci ChiefFrame no. 347 6188Engine no. CDG6840B
• Ordered from Indian by the Molson Brewery• Landmark Indian modelIs there a more iconic shape in American motorcycling than a skirted Indian Chief? Those big Art Deco-styled, valanced fenders are unmistakable; then as now, they set the bike apart from anything else on the road. Back in 1922 the Indian range was extended by the introduction of a new, Scout-based 61ci (1,000cc) flat head 42-degree long stroke (83x113mm bore and stroke) v-twin called the Chief – the first of a line that would endure for 31 years. A year later a 74ci version was introduced, and both were offered until 1928 when the smaller motor was dropped. Similarly, the 74ci (1,210cc) was finished in 1949 with the introduction of an 80ci (1,300cc) version in 1950.Constantly developed over its tenure, from new frame, forks, dry-sump lubrication, coil ignition, rear suspension and the like, the Chief quickly became one of the most legendary motorcycles in the world, particularly after 1940 when it was clothed in those now iconic Art Deco-style valanced fenders. For a style so associated with a brand, it's surprising that the fenders didn't make their appearance until 1940, some 39 years after the company's founding. Indian went all-in on the design, outfitting Scouts, Chief and Fours with the new tinware. After World War 2 only the Chief made a return – in 1947 they did make 11,849 of them - supposedly a stop-gap measure until lighter, more advanced models came online. But 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.To many viewers the postwar girder-fork Chiefs are the model's styling epitome. This original, unrestored, all-red 1947 74ci Chief surely makes that point, complete with fringed seat popular with riders back in the day. It was ordered directly from Indian Sales by Sam Molson of the Canadian brewing family in Montreal. In 1978 it was the prize in a Molson Brewery 'lucky bottle cap' contest won by one Donald Johnson of Vancouver, British Columbia. He showed the bike eight times at the Daytona Beach Custom Tour and won best-of-show several times. Eventually the still immaculate bike was sold into a private collection where it has been kept in its original specification in a controlled atmosphere ever since. It reportedly starts and runs well.Here is a one-time opportunity to acquire an as-new 70 year old Indian Chief, a Chief with a most unusual story. One of a kind...
As with all Lots in the Sale, this Lot is sold 'as is/where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding.
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1947 Indian 74ci ChiefFrame no. 347 6188Engine no. CDG6840B
• Ordered from Indian by the Molson Brewery• Landmark Indian modelIs there a more iconic shape in American motorcycling than a skirted Indian Chief? Those big Art Deco-styled, valanced fenders are unmistakable; then as now, they set the bike apart from anything else on the road. Back in 1922 the Indian range was extended by the introduction of a new, Scout-based 61ci (1,000cc) flat head 42-degree long stroke (83x113mm bore and stroke) v-twin called the Chief – the first of a line that would endure for 31 years. A year later a 74ci version was introduced, and both were offered until 1928 when the smaller motor was dropped. Similarly, the 74ci (1,210cc) was finished in 1949 with the introduction of an 80ci (1,300cc) version in 1950.Constantly developed over its tenure, from new frame, forks, dry-sump lubrication, coil ignition, rear suspension and the like, the Chief quickly became one of the most legendary motorcycles in the world, particularly after 1940 when it was clothed in those now iconic Art Deco-style valanced fenders. For a style so associated with a brand, it's surprising that the fenders didn't make their appearance until 1940, some 39 years after the company's founding. Indian went all-in on the design, outfitting Scouts, Chief and Fours with the new tinware. After World War 2 only the Chief made a return – in 1947 they did make 11,849 of them - supposedly a stop-gap measure until lighter, more advanced models came online. But 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.To many viewers the postwar girder-fork Chiefs are the model's styling epitome. This original, unrestored, all-red 1947 74ci Chief surely makes that point, complete with fringed seat popular with riders back in the day. It was ordered directly from Indian Sales by Sam Molson of the Canadian brewing family in Montreal. In 1978 it was the prize in a Molson Brewery 'lucky bottle cap' contest won by one Donald Johnson of Vancouver, British Columbia. He showed the bike eight times at the Daytona Beach Custom Tour and won best-of-show several times. Eventually the still immaculate bike was sold into a private collection where it has been kept in its original specification in a controlled atmosphere ever since. It reportedly starts and runs well.Here is a one-time opportunity to acquire an as-new 70 year old Indian Chief, a Chief with a most unusual story. One of a kind...
As with all Lots in the Sale, this Lot is sold 'as is/where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding.
Estimate
Time, Location
Auction House
