Nowadays Indian is remembered mainly for its powerful, large-capacity v-twins, the first of which appeared in 1907. Chain drive had been one of Indian’s advanced features right from the start, when Oscar Hedstrom and Oliver Hendee, both active in the cycle racing world, got together to build the first prototype in 1901. In 1911 Indian broke new ground yet again with their ohv four-valves-per-cylinder racers, and then in 1916 a new 1,000cc ‘flat head’ (sidevalve) v-twin - the Powerplus - was introduced to replace the original ‘F-head’ type. A smaller model, the 600cc Scout, joined the Powerplus in 1920, and then two years later the range was extended to encompass a new, Scout-based 1,000cc model - the Chief - the first of a line that would endure until 1953. This 74cu in (1,200cc) Big Chief is a 1970s-era restoration completed by Sammy Pierce, well known California-based Indian restorer of the Steve McQueen Collection bikes, and is stamped with his trademark on the engine case. The machine was purchased at the McQueen Estate auction held at the Imperial Palace Hotel, Las Vegas on 25th November 1984 (Lot 660). (A sale catalogue, bidder/guest passes and other memorabilia are included with the machine). The current owner acquired it in 2003. Modifications include Shunk cams; later-model Linkert carburetor; coil-over-magneto ‘wasted spark’ ignition and inverted, later-model headlamp. A few items such as the handlebars, seat springs and the brake pedal have been chromed, while a toggle-type kill switch for security is located under the tool box. Recent upgrades include Firestone balloon tires, tubes and liners; exact reproduction exhaust system; side stand; Corbin speedometer; Heilman seat with Indian logo; and saddle bags with ‘Indian’ script. The original custom-made exhaust header pipes, tires and Indian seat on the bike at time of the Estate sale will be included. The machine in its present condition is an eligible candidate for AMCA judging in the Period Modified class. We are advised by the vendor that its overall condition is very good and that it runs and drives well. Offered with Commonwealth of Pennsylvania title.
Nowadays Indian is remembered mainly for its powerful, large-capacity v-twins, the first of which appeared in 1907. Chain drive had been one of Indian’s advanced features right from the start, when Oscar Hedstrom and Oliver Hendee, both active in the cycle racing world, got together to build the first prototype in 1901. In 1911 Indian broke new ground yet again with their ohv four-valves-per-cylinder racers, and then in 1916 a new 1,000cc ‘flat head’ (sidevalve) v-twin - the Powerplus - was introduced to replace the original ‘F-head’ type. A smaller model, the 600cc Scout, joined the Powerplus in 1920, and then two years later the range was extended to encompass a new, Scout-based 1,000cc model - the Chief - the first of a line that would endure until 1953. This 74cu in (1,200cc) Big Chief is a 1970s-era restoration completed by Sammy Pierce, well known California-based Indian restorer of the Steve McQueen Collection bikes, and is stamped with his trademark on the engine case. The machine was purchased at the McQueen Estate auction held at the Imperial Palace Hotel, Las Vegas on 25th November 1984 (Lot 660). (A sale catalogue, bidder/guest passes and other memorabilia are included with the machine). The current owner acquired it in 2003. Modifications include Shunk cams; later-model Linkert carburetor; coil-over-magneto ‘wasted spark’ ignition and inverted, later-model headlamp. A few items such as the handlebars, seat springs and the brake pedal have been chromed, while a toggle-type kill switch for security is located under the tool box. Recent upgrades include Firestone balloon tires, tubes and liners; exact reproduction exhaust system; side stand; Corbin speedometer; Heilman seat with Indian logo; and saddle bags with ‘Indian’ script. The original custom-made exhaust header pipes, tires and Indian seat on the bike at time of the Estate sale will be included. The machine in its present condition is an eligible candidate for AMCA judging in the Period Modified class. We are advised by the vendor that its overall condition is very good and that it runs and drives well. Offered with Commonwealth of Pennsylvania title.
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.jpg "Source: Christie's")
.jpg "Source: Christie's")
