ROBERT D. DIEGAL COLLECTION Widely held as one of the most beautiful motorcycles in history, the Indian Chiefs of the 1930s, like this stunning example from 1937, were a continuation of the brand’s tradition of producing stylish big-twin American motorcycles. What began as a low-slung, sleek and powerful model in the 1920s, the Chief had evolved into one of the most evocative V-twin motorcycles by the mid-1930s. Many factors contributed to this moment in the Chief’s evolution, beginning with its introduction in 1922 as an upscaled version of Indian’s wildly popular middleweight Scout model. However, as the financial crisis of 1929 continued to disrupt industry around the globe, it was the acquisition of Indian by industrial tycoon E. Paul duPont in 1930 that shaped the development of the company’s lineup as it entered the Great Depression. The motorcycle itself had reached a milestone in its history, having outgrown its more utilitarian, transport and sporting uses. E. Paul duPont recognized the moment perhaps better than any and set out to reshape Indian by leaning into a new identity for its motorcycles as a means of stylish recreation and an adventurous lifestyle. The formula was ideally suited to the trying economic times, as just like with its main rival, Harley-Davidson, the costly development of innovative new technology had to give way to the more economical reliance on styling. With duPont at the helm and his expansive automotive paint department at his disposal, Indian set loose its designers, headed by the legendary Briggs Weaver, on a mission to refine its motorcycles. The result was a lineup of Indian motorcycles through the 1930s sporting a wide array of vibrant colors with delicately sloping tanks and gracefully sweeping fenders, all powered by Indian’s powerful, time-tested engines. This gorgeous, meticulously restored 1937 Indian Chief embodies the coveted machines churned out by the Springfield company in the 1930s with its brilliant two-tone burgundy and red paint, tasteful chrome accents, and elegant stance. It features a 74 CI (1,200cc) side-valve V-twin, 3-speed hand-shifted gearbox with a right-side shifter arm, which the brand moved to a more forward position in 1937. Indian’s signature triple-stem leaf- spring fork, brown leather solo saddle, Auto-Lite generator, distributor and electric lighting all work to round out this beautiful and capable motorcycle. Today, the 1937 Indian Chief remains a highly sought-after motorcycle, celebrated for its artistry, performance and significance in the history of industrial design as a symbol of Indian’s legacy. S195.1 1937 Indian Chief
