Vehicle Description
Previously owned by Steve McQueen Restored by renowned artist Kenny
Howard AKA Von Dutch Von Dutch's business card is laminated in
sidecar Beautiful example with incredible provenance Indian Big
Chief Indian followed its 1920 debut of the improved 600cc V-twin
Scout with the larger-displacement 1,000cc Chief in 1922.
Continuing on with the bigger-is-better approach, Indian launched
the 1,200cc Big Chief in 1923. With standard electric lights and a
generator, new tank-side compression-release rod and heavier frame
tubing with reinforcements to handle the increased horsepower, the
Big Chief quickly rode to the best-selling model spot in the Indian
lineup. The Motorcycle offered This particular 1923 Indian Big
Chief is equipped with a Princess Sidecar, and not only was it
owned by Steve McQueen, but it was additionally restored at his
request by renowned artist Kenny Howard, known by those in the
custom-car and motorcycle world as Von Dutch. This restored Indian
Big Chief is a first-year example of the engineering and
manufacturing expertise that propelled Indian to the largest
motorcycle manufacturer in the world by the early 1920s. McQueen
had a passion for motorcycles and motorsports that he conveyed not
only into cinematic history with the "Great Escape" and "LeMans,"
but also into life itself with a second-place finish at the 24
Hours of Sebring in 1970 with Peter Revson against the combined
motorsport juggernaut of Ferrari and Mario Andretti. In 1969,
McQueen turned to the best in the business of car-culture art and
motorcycle mechanicals when it came time to restore this iconic
first-year Indian Big Chief. Von Dutch was a highly influential
Southern California-based artist, fabricator, mechanic and
restorer. The mechanical side of the restoration began with the
1,200cc (74 CI) Indian dual-cam V-twin, and worked its way out to
the paint, lettering and pinstriping laid down by Von Dutch
himself. The motorcycle and sidecar stand as a rideable and
enduring symbol of the dedication and creativity of people that
embrace motorcycling with passion.