$45,000
Breinigsville, Pennsylvania
Category
-
Engine
79 cc
Posted Over 1 Month
RB Collection offers this magnificent and rare 1951 Indian Chief Roadmaster direct from an esteemed local collection. Estimates say that fewer than 500 Indians left the works in 1951, making this an extremely rare machine by all accounts. This particular example has a very interesting history that has been well documented. Our understanding of the story picks up with Ivan Thornburg of Winchester Indiana in the early 1980s. Correspondence from Mr. Thornburg states the bike was bought new by Cecil Bond who was a mechanic for the Muncie Indiana police department. Bond lightly modified the bike with police-spec parts to add a bit of performance and durability. Mr. Thornburg then acquired it in the late 1970s, and performed a light restoration on it in the early 80s, importantly retaining the original numbers-matching engine. The bike was featured (along with several other machines of Mr. Thornburg) in an issue of Iron Horse Magazine in 1985, copies of which are included in the sale.After changing hands a few times, it was purchased by a Mr. Gilman who sorted the bike and rode it from the West Coast to Springfield, MA (and back again!) for Indian's 100th Anniversary. He then embarked on a multi-year, nut and bolt restoration. Using a large number of original and NOS parts, the Indian was returned to its former glory and presents in better-than-new condition. It comes most recently from a local collector who rode the bike very minimally, keeping it mainly as the centerpiece to a collection of several significant bikes. The Indian Red over Fallon Brown paintwork is simply exquisite and is accented by plenty of gleaming, show quality chrome. Parts were sourced from the best names in the business such as Kiwi Indian, Starklite Cysles and others. Every single nut, bolt and fastener was restored with correct finishes and all fittings and wiring are as new. A gorgeous, fringed natural tan chummy saddle has been fitted which compliments the beautiful color scheme. As part of the restoration, the electrics have been upgraded to a more powerful and reliable 12V system, though original components have been retained should one wish to return it to exact spec.Beyond just the quality of the restoration, it comes equipped with an original Indian tool kit complete with Indian-branded tools and an exceedingly rare Indian-branded fire extinguisher. Valuable literature such as the original 1951 Rider Instruction booklet, parts manual and service manual are all included, along with receipts from the restoration, historical documentation, copies of the Iron Horse Magazine where it was featured, pennants from the 100th anniversary of Indian, and the original 6V generator and regulator. This is an unmatched opportunity to acquire what is surely one of the finest 1951 Chiefs available today.
