THE NORTHERN CALIFORNIA AMERICAN BIKE COLLECTION The 1948 Indian Chief Roadmaster, like this impeccable example finished in the rare Prairie Green, remains one of history’s most recognized and desired motorcycles. When the Chief’s distinctive sweeping skirted fenders, girder fork and plunger sprung frame were introduced by designer G. Briggs Weaver in 1940, a design language that defined the brand was established. Still, given the interruption in production through World War II, followed shortly after Indian’s demise in 1953, the most iconic Indian Chiefs were only made for less than a decade of the company’s 52-year existence. For the brass in Springfield, the years following World War I marked the first time that Indian’s viability came into question. In the mid-teens, both of the company’s co-founders, Oscar Hedstrom and George Hendee, departed the brand, leaving it in a strong position. Still, an over-commitment to the production of military contracts throughout the Great War left dealers and customers with little to no inventory left. Those factors, coupled with the increased presence of its main rival, Harley-Davidson, meant Indian was in need of a champion to reestablish its global position. Charles B. Franklin, of the engineering department rather than the factory racing division, became that champion. Franklin introduced a pair of radically new, modern motorcycles, the middleweight Scout in 1920, followed in 1922 by its larger sibling, the Chief which revitalized Indian. As a 61 CI (1000cc) “big twin,” the Chief, with its elegant, streamlined design, robust and reliable V-twin engine, and industry-leading agility, represented the best of what had made the company the largest manufacturer in the world since 1901. The Chief quickly became America’s best-selling motorcycle and provided Indian with a model that would remain its flagship until its demise in 1953 and remains a staple of the resurrected marque today. With all of its history, the modern Indian Chief draws its design cues heavily from the Chiefs of the late 1940s, like this gorgeous example from 1948. In 1940, the Chief received its signature rear-plunger spring frame, girder fork and iconic sweeping fender skirts. Many signature features of this 1948 can be found on contemporary Chief models, such as the Indian script tank emblems, headdress fender light and even the Roadmaster model designation. Coming from The Northern California American Bike Collection, this striking Prairie Green 1948 Chief is powered by a 74 CI (1200cc) sidevalve V-twin, 3-speed gearbox and features period leather saddlebags, a two-person Chum-Mee saddle, as well as chrome spotlights, crash bars and exhaust. F171 1948 INDIAN CHIEF
