1946 Indian Chief, in Black, VIN CDF1673B

1946 Indian Chief
Absolutely Stunning Full Restoration In Showroom Mint Condition, Looks & Runs Like New Only 57 Miles Since Rebuild
PLEASE WATCH THE VIDEO FOR FULL DETAILS
The bike is currently showcased at the New England Motorcycle Museum. This Chief has undergone a no-expense-spared, 2 year restoration, every nut, bolt, painted surface, plated part, and internal engine component—has been restored to a standard as good as or better than brand new.
VIN # CDF1673B
ENGINE # CDF1673B
FRAME # 3464510

Stunning paint, flawless chrome, pristine leather

Saddlebags in brand-new condition

Zero leaks, zero smoke, flawless engine operation

This bike runs, sounds, and feels like a brand-new 1946 Indian Chief. Over $50,000 Invested, Including $32,000 in restoration parts & shop labor???? Full Walker Machine Rebuild The engine, transmission, clutch, and rotating assembly were professionally rebuilt by Walker Machine, a nationally respected shop dedicated exclusively to antique Indian motorcycles.

8 pages of detailed engine invoices

Crank professionally rebuilt and balanced

Transmission fully rebuilt

Carburetor restored

All bearings, bushings, seals, Pistons, Valves and gaskets replaced

Internal cases Gliptol-sealed (an upgrade never done at the factory)

Frame professionally aligned and refinished

Clearly shows the engine completely disassembled down to the bare cases and rebuilt step-by-step to an extraordinary standard. This is one of the most thoroughly documented Indian Chief Restorations we have seen:

Full photo documentation of the restoration

Plus All The receipts for Engine Rebuild, brand-new tanks, wiring harness, charging system, wheels, brakes, and more

(From Walker Machine, Jerry Greer, Starklite, Kiwi Indian, etc.)

Carburetor setup notes, factory reference materials, and period articles

This level of provenance is exceptionally rare and adds significant investment value.

Original purchase price (2002): $18,000

Restoration investment (2007–2008): ~$32,000

Total investment: $50,000+

Recent Mecum auction comps for 1946 Indian Chiefs:

High sale: $77,000

Others: $74,000, $57,000, $52,500, $52,250, $52,000, $51,700, and many in the $49,000–$55,000 range

This example is equal to or better than most of the Chiefs sold at Mecum. If purchased, you are welcome to leave the bike on display in the museum, where it will be professionally cared for alongside other premier American classics until you're ready to take it home.

Nationwide shipping available

Financing options available

Ready to ride, show, or display immediately

???? 1946 Indian Chief – History & Model Significance The 1946 Indian Chief represents the first full year of Indian's return to civilian motorcycle production after World War II, and it stands as one of the most iconic American motorcycles ever built. Production in the early 1940s was dominated by military machines, so post-war Chiefs like this one benefited from Indian's wartime engineering experience while delivering the style and grace that made the brand legendary. The Chief was Indian's flagship big-twin of the era, positioned above the Scout and Sport Scout in the lineup. Where the Scout models were lighter and more performance-oriented, the Chief was designed as a premium touring motorcycle—long-legged, comfortable, and built to cover serious miles on open roads. If you wanted the top of the line from Springfield in 1946, you bought a Chief. At the heart of the 1946 Chief is Indian's famous 74 cubic inch (1200cc) side-valve V-twin, known for its broad torque curve, smooth power delivery, and unmistakable exhaust note. Paired with a 3-speed transmission, the Chief earned its reputation as a powerful, reliable, and dignified road machine—equally at home cruising Main Street or crossing the country. Stylistically, the 1946 Chief is pure Indian:

full valanced (“skirted”) fenders that became one of the brand's strongest visual trademarks

sweeping tank lines with classic Indian script

graceful proportions and long wheelbase touring stance

These post-war Chiefs are highly sought after today because they capture peak Indian design language while still being practical riders with good parts support and club backing. They mark the transition from wartime austerity back to civilian freedom and style—owning one is owning a piece of American industrial and cultural history. Collectors prize 1946 Chiefs for:

first-wave post-war civilian production

classic skirted-fender styling

big-twin displacement and torque

strong support from the AMCA and Indian enthusiast community

blue-chip American motorcycle investment status

If you've been waiting for a genuine post-war Indian Chief to add to the collection—or to ride and enjoy—this is the right era, the right model, and the right look. Where It Fit in the Indian Lineup (Period Context) Indian's 1946 lineup was essentially:

Indian Chief – flagship big-twin touring motorcycle

Sport Scout / Scout variants – lighter, sportier models

Military surplus & special-purpose machines winding down post-war

The Chief was the premium model:

largest engine displacement

longest wheelbase

most comfortable long-distance chassis

No express warranty and/or implied warranty. No statements by us give an implied warranty. SHIPPING: SEND US YOUR ZIP FOR A SHIPPING QUOTE!
WE WILL MAKE ALL ARRANGEMENTS! We have the best shipping contacts in the nation who will provide the FASTEST transport times, have a perfect track record, and are always insured and ENCLOSED! All motorcycles are shipped WHOLE (roll-on, roll-off). We do not offer a pallet or crate service. International shipping specialist contacts are available! They will assist in ground freight, customs clearance, and ocean freight to your country. International buyers will be required to work directly with our third party shipping contacts. We strongly recommend you insure your motorcycle at the time of purchase. PICKUP: We require a 24 hour notice prior to pick-up. We will provide ramps, a dock for loading, and assistance to load for free.