Barn Find 1948 Indian Chief Should Auction For Big Money

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There’s still time to grab this rare slice of American motorcycle history.

Some people are absolutely obsessed with barn find vehicles, especially motorcycles. It’s like that thrill of finding a lost treasure buried away in someone’s rural estate that gets the heart pumping. There’s also the strong possibility the bike hasn’t been altered from its original condition, which certainly is a factor driving increasingly fierce bidding over a particular 1948 Indian Chief.

Back in 1948 with the horrors of WWII fading in the rearview mirror, Americans were finally churning out new vehicles, albeit most were barely warmed-over designs from before the war. Harley-Davidson was moving a lot of metal as GIs wanted a stout American bike to celebrate their independence. In fact, the wildly popular Panhead launched in 1948. However, Indian was struggling, which is why it was offering just one model for 1948: the Chief.

Offered with only one engine option, a 74ci V-twin with a Linkert carb, it was in some ways like a relic from the past. However, there were some interesting features which collectors today find undeniably compelling, including the dual gas tanks, manual spark retard/advance lever on the handlebar, and a suicide clutch.