As America regrouped after the arduous years of WWII, a new culture began to emerge centered around consumerism, suburbanized family life and recreation. Though motorcycling had experienced a revitalization before the onset of war, the new chapter injected a fresh zeal among enthusiasts, and machines like this meticulously restored 1947 Indian Chief, complete with its matching sidecar, embodied the spirit of the country. The Chief itself was a carryover from the days before the war as it remained largely unchanged from its predecessors due to material shortages and a change in the company’s ownership. American industrialist Ralph Rogers purchased the company from the DuPont family, who delivered the historic American motorcycle manufacturer through the hardship of the Great Depression by producing some of the most stylish and desirable motorcycles in history. However, Rogers aspired to take the brand into a new, modern era by halting development on its bread-and-butter side-valve V-twins, favoring a British- inspired series of OHV vertical twins with radically different styling instead. With a new directive to develop a new lineup, combined with lingering material shortages following the war, Indian’s legendary big twin cruiser, the Chief, became its only available machine in 1947. Still, the 1947 Indian Chief was a masterpiece of design and engineering, allowing enthusiasts to embrace a new chapter of adventure in unmatched style. Though less technically advanced than the overhead-valve engines available at the time, its powerful 74 CI (1,200cc) side-valve V-twin was a tried-and-true platform delivering speed, reliability and ease of use. Its iconic skirted fenders, which had been introduced in 1940, gave the bike a sleek, elegant profile, setting it apart from competitors. The Chief was also coveted for its smooth ride, thanks to an industry-exclusive full-suspension chassis with dual rear plunger shocks and a new hydraulically assisted girder fork. Though much of the beloved Chief remained unchanged, a new Indian head fender light, Indian script tank emblems and striking two-tone paint schemes were among its subtle updates in 1947. Having undergone an extensive restoration, this gorgeous 1947 Indian Chief further sets itself apart with its matching sidecar, tinted windshield and numerous period-correct chrome accessories. In postwar America, the Chief, the flagship model from the country’s oldest motorcycle brand, represented more than just a mode of transportation by emblemizing the culture overall, symbolizing freedom, adventure and style in a new golden age of American motorcycling. F129 1947 Indian Chief with Sidecar
