During the midst of the Great Depression and staggering losses in sales, the Indian Motocycle Company debuted its most significant motorcycle of its 31 year history. The new 74 cubic inch Chief heralded in an era where the model would become the mainstay of sales for the rest of Indian's manufacturing life. At first glance, the rider would have noticed the Indian Chief's new frame and taller front end, and especially the streamlined appearance of the gas tanks hiding the upper frame rail of the motorcycle. The Indian had entered the modern motorcycle world. Gone were the primitive fenders of earlier Chiefs. The motorcycle now possessed the graceful lines of its previous smaller sibling, the 101 Scout. In fact, Indian wisely touted the new Chief as having the handling of the Scout coupled with the power of the Chief. Incredibly there were numerous new details to attract the prospective buyer of the Chief. A new lower saddle and longer wheelbase improved the comfort and ride of the Indian, and included many small improvements. Many of these improvements carried over to the other Indian models as the company consolidated parts to reduce manufacturing costs. It was a difficult period in American motorcycling. Excelsior/Henderson shut their doors the previous year, leaving only Harley-Davidson and Indian to provide machines to a dwindling market. This 1932 Indian Chief represents this initial year of the new Indian motorcycle. Aesthetically, it is finished in a very pleasing combination of Black with Brilliant Red, and is a very handsome motorcycle. The engine is Indian's traditional side valve motor with correct black painted cylinders atop the crankcases. It features a Splitdorf magneto, optional for 1932 and an Indian face horn. Another option for this year Indian is the sprung seat post providing additional comfort to the rider. This is a very striking and correct motorcycle. This represents a complete restoration of an original Indian Chief with only 50 miles on the finished machine. The vendor reports that it starts and runs well, and will provide its new owner with many enjoyable miles on the road. Early Indian Chiefs are becoming increasingly desirable. With less than 2,000 units sold in 1932, this machine is very rare and will surely become an important element in any collection. Sold on a Bill of Sale.
During the midst of the Great Depression and staggering losses in sales, the Indian Motocycle Company debuted its most significant motorcycle of its 31 year history. The new 74 cubic inch Chief heralded in an era where the model would become the mainstay of sales for the rest of Indian's manufacturing life. At first glance, the rider would have noticed the Indian Chief's new frame and taller front end, and especially the streamlined appearance of the gas tanks hiding the upper frame rail of the motorcycle. The Indian had entered the modern motorcycle world. Gone were the primitive fenders of earlier Chiefs. The motorcycle now possessed the graceful lines of its previous smaller sibling, the 101 Scout. In fact, Indian wisely touted the new Chief as having the handling of the Scout coupled with the power of the Chief. Incredibly there were numerous new details to attract the prospective buyer of the Chief. A new lower saddle and longer wheelbase improved the comfort and ride of the Indian, and included many small improvements. Many of these improvements carried over to the other Indian models as the company consolidated parts to reduce manufacturing costs. It was a difficult period in American motorcycling. Excelsior/Henderson shut their doors the previous year, leaving only Harley-Davidson and Indian to provide machines to a dwindling market. This 1932 Indian Chief represents this initial year of the new Indian motorcycle. Aesthetically, it is finished in a very pleasing combination of Black with Brilliant Red, and is a very handsome motorcycle. The engine is Indian's traditional side valve motor with correct black painted cylinders atop the crankcases. It features a Splitdorf magneto, optional for 1932 and an Indian face horn. Another option for this year Indian is the sprung seat post providing additional comfort to the rider. This is a very striking and correct motorcycle. This represents a complete restoration of an original Indian Chief with only 50 miles on the finished machine. The vendor reports that it starts and runs well, and will provide its new owner with many enjoyable miles on the road. Early Indian Chiefs are becoming increasingly desirable. With less than 2,000 units sold in 1932, this machine is very rare and will surely become an important element in any collection. Sold on a Bill of Sale.
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.jpg "Source: Christie's")
.jpg "Source: Christie's")
