Vehicle Description
Indian Motorcycles were produced from 1901 through 1953 and
supplied enthusiasts all different varieties of motorcycles to
choose from over the years. They even supplied thousands of units
during wartime efforts, and police units nationally. Indian became
the largest manufacturer of motorcycles by 1910, with a reputation
for their reliability and durability. The larger V-twin powered
Chief was introduced in 1922 and manufactured until Indian's
closing in 1953. By the start of WWII, the Chief had adopted a
fully sprung frame with dual plunger rear suspension, a feature not
offered by their most formidable competitor, Harley Davidson. In
addition to skirted front fender with girder fork suspension, and
upgraded front brake, their powerful engines could push these bikes
to a comfortable top speed of 85 mph!
We are very delighted to offer this 1947 Indian Chief Roadmaster
finished in classic Indian Red with its number's matching 74ci
V-twin engine! Features include 3-speed tank-shifted manual
transmission, front & rear drum brakes, with full Roadmaster
equipment options to include deluxe leather dual passenger ChumMe
seat, leather saddle bags with chrome rivets, rear fender luggage
carrier, front & rear chrome crash bars, chrome twin spotlights,
and full sport windshield.
History of this Indian Roadmaster dates to August 1983 when
acquired by automobile & motorcycle collector, Albert Jenkins, of
Joplin, Missouri. Mr. Jenkins was a very successful business owner
who was the first and only manufacturer to build a petroleum dry
cleaning machines environmentally friendly enough for use in
California, forming a long-running career in both sales & service
of his machines that his family continues to operate to this day.
In his spare time visiting clients throughout the country, Al
Jenkins would seek cars and vintage motorcycles for his collection.
His hunting efforts even earned him the chance to purchase a
4-cylinder Indian motorcycle owned by Billy Carter, brother of
former President Jimmy Carter!
This Indian showcases a very nicely kept, older cosmetic
restoration. It would make its way into William Darch's Hollywood,
Florida collection in the early 1990's who was lucky to have
purchased many pieces from Mr. Jenkins over the years. He would
ride this Indian sparingly over his 30+ years of ownership, before
selling it to Warren Berliner based in Dania Beach, FL in
approximately 2023.
The engine case is stamped with the original CDG3199B stamp, as
well as the visible frame VIN stamp of 3473199. After its
acquisition by the St. Louis Car Museum in late 2024, we opted to
have all the fluids changed, carburetor cleaned along with the fuel
sediment bowl with fresh gaskets, new spark plug installed, fuel
tank flushed with a new petcock, new battery, and a replacement amp
meter in the dash. It has been started and run multiple times but
has had very little road use in many years. Please feel free to
call with additional questions or to schedule a chance to view this
wonderful Indian in person! We look forward to working with
you!
