Lot #357.1 - Magnificent example of an iconic American classic Indian Chief motorcycle. Indian motorcycles were manufactured from 1901-53 by a company in Springfield, MA. In 1928, it was renamed the Indian Motorcycle Manufacturing Company. The Indian factory team took the first three places in the 1911 Isle of Man Tourist Trophy. During the 1910s, Indian became the largest manufacturer in the world. Indian’s most popular models were the Scout, made from 1920-46, and the Chief, made from 1922-53. The Indian Motorcycle Manufacturing Company went bankrupt in 1953. A number of successor organizations have perpetuated the name in subsequent years. In 1946, only 3,621 Indians were built, according to expert Jerry Hatfield. This 1946 Indian Chief was purchased in 2017 by a gentleman from South Dakota. He’s been restoring vintage Indians for many years and completes two per year. This machine was a complete nut-and-bolt restoration that was completed in 2018. He spent a lot of time and money restoring it to a high level of quality. Every single piece was restored or replaced. It is show-quality throughout. It has less than 50 miles since completion. It was painted the correct color of Seafoam Blue, which is beautiful. It’s powered by the rebuilt original matching-numbers 1210cc 2-cylinder engine. This bike runs and rides great. From the MS Classic Cars Collection.