A rare bike from a glorious marque. Nobody knows exactly how many Indians were made in the 1950s, but by 1951 the Chief was the only model left in production, and not many were made. All production ceased in 1953.
This 1951 had a 1300cc (79 cid) V twin side valve motor. Throttle was on the right hand grip and a left foot (suicide) clutch. The three speed transmission was shifted by the lever on the left side of the tank. Front brake was actuated from the right handlebar and the rear by a right foot lever. By ‘51 all the Chiefs had hydraulic front forks, Indian was an early adopter of that technology.
This particular bike listing doesn’t give away much, but it looks really good and complete. It is really difficult to find 1950’s Indians that are unmolested. This one looks like a very good survivor.
Indian pushed the needle in motorcycle development many times in the first half of the 20th century. This is a fine example of the end of that run. Find this bike with an unmet opening bid of $33,500 or a close BIN of $38,500