Indian Motorcycles were produced from 1901 through 1953 and supplied enthusiasts all different varieties of motorcycles to choose from over the years. They even supplied thousands of units during wartime efforts, and police units nationally. Indian became the largest manufacturer of motorcycles by 1910, with a reputation for their reliability and durability. The larger V-twin powered Chief was introduced in 1922 and manufactured until Indian's closing in 1953. By the start of WWII, the .....
Chief had adopted a fully sprung frame with dual plunger rear suspension, a feature not offered by their most formidable competitor, Harley Davidson. In addition to skirted front fender with girder fork suspension, and upgraded front brake, their powerful engines could push these bikes to a comfortable top speed of 85 mph!
We are very delighted to offer this 1947 Indian Chief Roadmaster finished in classic Indian Red with its number's matching 74ci V-twin engine! Features include 3-speed tank-shifted manual transmission, front & rear drum brakes, with full Roadmaster equipment options to include deluxe leather dual passenger ChumMe seat, leather saddle bags with chrome rivets, rear fender luggage carrier, front & rear chrome crash bars, chrome twin spotlights, and full sport windshield.
History of this Indian Roadmaster dates to August 1983 when acquired by automobile & motorcycle collector, Albert Jenkins, of Joplin, Missouri. Mr. Jenkins was a very successful business owner who was the first and only manufacturer to build a petroleum dry cleaning machines environmentally friendly enough for use in California, forming a long-running career in both sales & service of his machines that his family continues to operate to this day. In his spare time visiting clients throughout the country, Al Jenkins would seek cars and vintage motorcycles for his collection. His hunting efforts even earned him the chance to purchase a 4-cylinder Indian motorcycle owned by Billy Carter, brother of former President Jimmy Carter!
This Indian showcases a very nicely kept, older cosmetic restoration. It would make its way into William Darch's Hollywood, Florida collection in the early 1990's who was lucky to have purchased many pieces from Mr. Jenkins over the years. He would ride this Indian sparingly over his 30+ years of ownership, before selling it to Warren Berliner based in Dania Beach, FL in approximately 2023.
The engine case is stamped with the original CDG3199B stamp, as well as the visible frame VIN stamp of 3473199. After its acquisition by the St. Louis Car Museum in late 2024, we opted to have all the fluids changed, carburetor cleaned along with the fuel sediment bowl with fresh gaskets, new spark plug installed, fuel tank flushed with a new petcock, new battery, and a replacement amp meter in the dash. It has been started and run multiple times but has had very little road use in many years. Please feel free to call with additional questions or to schedule a chance to view this wonderful Indian in person! We look forward to working with you!