Rolling Icon: 1940 Indian Chief
When someone says DeLorean you automatically see the image of the famous car in your head. The same thing happens when a Porsche 911 is brought up. When it comes to two-wheeled vehicles, a mention of the maker Indian automatically is associated with the iconic Chief. These fender-skirted big twins are so intertwined with Indian Motorcycle’s image that the current iteration of the company still draws from the design for its Springfield model. If you are interested in having an iconic motorcycle to park in your garage or you want to be the king of your local bike night, then take a look at this 1940 Indian Chief for sale here on eBay out of Pickerington, Ohio. Bidding is currently at $25,600 on this fender-skirted piece of rolling artwork.
Founded in 1901, The Indian Motorcycle Company produced motorcycles that became well known for their craftsmanship and durability. The company managed to outlast competitors such as Excelsior, Thor, Pierce, and many others. Soon it was really only Harley-Davidson and Indian taking the lion’s share of the market and forming a healthy rivalry. The Depression and later the World War II era didn’t do Indian any favors financially, and the ship sadly went down in 1953. There have been a few attempts to revive the brand, with the latest being the only one with any real longevity.
The Chief name was first introduced in 1922 as a larger stablemate for the Scout and the Standard. A Big Chief with a larger displacement was added in 1923, ultimately replacing the smaller displacement model in 1928. The year 1940 marked big changes for the Chief. A plunger type suspension was added along with the deep fenders that completely changed the look of the motorcycle. While there was some production of a military version of the Chief, with around 3,000 going to the US and 5,000 going to France until the Germans moved in, the company was not able to crack the military market as successfully as Harley-Davidson was.
After the war, the Chief soldiered on with its girder fork front suspension until 1948. Production was halted for a year, then the machine returned with telescopic front forks for 1950. The company continued production until it went under in 1953, with the Chief being its last model. In subsequent years collectors have kept a large percentage of these motorcycles alive and on the road. Chiefs also have enjoyed a number of celebrity owners such as Steve McQueen and Jay Leno.
This Chief is one of the previously mentioned first year for the fender skirts models. We are told that it is a number matching motorcycle that is a great running and riding example. It has a number of correct parts, but the horn face is a reproduction attached to a non-functioning horn. The saddlebags are made by a company called Kaiser which is likely not related to the ship and car producer we all know and love. These jeweled saddlebags are complete and still have all the jewels and wire piped trim. It even has Kaiser leather mudflaps attached to those glorious fenders.
While not a perfect concours-ready motorcycle, this Indian Chief seems to be a great example to use and enjoy. Hopefully, it goes to a good home, and it sees a lot of use. Indian Chiefs are just too beautiful to keep locked away.
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Comments
I love these bikes, though I wonder if in this day and age of political correctness that the name is somehow offensive to someone. I do not personally feel that way, but I am greatly surprised that someone has yet to come forward and say they are “offended” by the name. I suppose, just give it time and some small minded easily offended person will complain. I know a Native American who owns and loves an Indian bike, he has no problem with that name whatsoever. In fact, he thinks it honors his heritage.
I’m getting offended by offenders.
I’m good with the “name”, what offends me are the fenders.
I’ve always noticed the (to me) incredibly large cooling fins on the cylinders and heads. Compared to Volksies they are huge.Seems like a great idea.
Not offended.
Had one in the Army. but had side car
My Father loved shooting craps, betting on the ponies, and a good game of poker. As I have said before, he was a tire builder for Uniroyal, and recently divorced in 1942. A guy he worked with got a lead on a big game of craps in Toledo. My Dad had not driven to work that day, so the guy offered him a ride to the game, so he said sure. Well this guy had an Indian, so my Father rode on the back and off they went. Well to make a long story short, this guy hit cruising speed and it started to shake and vibrate so bad that he was scared out his mind. His friend shouted that it had a cracked fork and to just relax. It wasn’t a long l trip, but my Father drank about 5 shots to calm him down. My Father rolled hot that night, and took home over 3 grand. That was a lot of money in 1942, he had child support that he never missed. This money helped my Father live pretty well as he never banked it. He took a bus back to Detroit with a smile on his face and a fat wallet.
like the 4cyl they made… put a chromed ’46/8 springer frnt end (Chief) on and bob the rest. Weara knap sack if I wanna carry anything (doubtful). I just dont seem to have the spare 30 – 75K$ for one…
Love these old bikes. Sure wish I could be in a position to compete for one instead of standing on the sidelines like a typical sidewalk commando. At least I can say that I used to own some pretty righteous bikes. Need another project…
started with 4 cyl Henderson and later with Indian Chief
My dad and uncle both were Indian riders. Dad’s favorite was his ’39, though he had a ’40 and a ’53. By the time I came along, mom had “convinced” him to sell all of them. For practically pocket change.
A older gentleman in my town owned a four cylinder Indian and several Chiefs. He also owned Clark Gables Harley. Sadly he has since passed away. He was a sight at bike shows as he rode them around wearing a war bonnet.
It is quite simple. If you are offended by the name, don’t buy one. Next.
If you’re offended by anything? stay out of cHicago.guess the bike has been here; big horn up front. crash bar mirrors. when is my 1974 shovelhead gonna be outlawed? cuz’ it hints at something?