1948 Indian Chief, Multicolor

Just as with the incomparable Dolly Parton song “Coat of Many Colors,” this unique, as-found 1948 Indian Chief demonstrates that the character of an object can often be found in the patchwork just as much as it can be in the pristine. For decades, enthusiasts and collectors pined over the 100-point, meticulously restored motorcycles resurrected from days gone by. The skill and craftsmanship that have gone into preserving the legacy of the American motorcycle through restoration have been invaluable to the culture. Still, the beauty of the barn find, with all of the fingerprints of history left intact, has become a prized genre all its own.
Found on the East Coast, this 1948 Indian Chief, with its cascade of faded orange, red, teal and purple, stands out in a crowd of resprays and chrome plating, always ready to fire up a conversation.
For Indian, 1948 was the last year of this classic generation of Chief, as its distinctive girder fork was replaced in 1950 with a modern hydraulic one following its one-year production hiatus in 1949.
Perhaps one of the most recognizable classic American motorcycles, the 1948 Indian Chief maintained the “Spring Frame” and heavily stylized skirted fenders introduced in 1940. At its heart is Indian's 74 CI (1200cc) side-valve V-twin coupled with a 3-speed, hand-shifted gearbox. Though Harley-Davidson had taken a step forward with its OHV Knucklehead, the ease of use and reliability of Indian's long-proven side-valve Big Twin makes the Chief one the best suited antique motorcycles for the modern enthusiast.
As yet another genuine motorcycle icon featured in Mike Wolfe's As Found Collection, this 1948 Indian Chief retains the lines and legacy for which the Springfield company will be forever known, even if it lacks its original luster. Still, just like Dolly's old patchwork coat, the charm and appeal of this unique 1948 Indian Chief lends it a character unlikely to be matched by any other.