Highlights
- Iconic post-war American motorcycle in a striking period colour scheme
- Imported from the USA and now registered on UK plates (MOT/road tax exempt)
- The vendor describes this as one of the best examples of a 1948 Indian Chief available
- 12V electrics
- Cylinder heads "Bonnevilled" with enlarged intake and exhaust ports
- Fitted with high-performance Schunk camshafts
- Fascinating US history
- Previously restored to a high standard
The Appeal
The word 'iconic' is grossly over-employed, but the Indian Chief is just that. It stands as one of the most revered American motorcycles of the post-war era. With its unmistakable skirted fenders, thunderous 1,200cc flathead V-twin, and hand-change three-speed manual gearbox, the Chief was the flagship of Indian's range and remains a highly coveted machine among collectors of vintage American motorcycles.
This example has been imported from the USA and is now registered on UK plates, benefiting from road tax and MOT exemption. The vendor considers it to be in exceedingly good condition, reckoning it to be one of the best examples of a 1948 Indian Chief available. The colour scheme certainly won't pass unnoticed, nor will the period studded leather accessories. As the photographs show, the bike presents immensely well for its age.
The history file tells of a very interesting story:
While still Stateside, this 1948 Indian Chief was acquired from Plainfield, Illinois, as a rolling chassis before Indian specialist Pete Bollenbach at Bollenbach Engineering in East Dundee, Illinois, completed a comprehensive ground-up restoration. During the rebuild, the engine was blueprint-remanufactured and enlarged to an 80-cubic-inch specification, featuring modified cases, 1950-spec pistons, enlarged intake/exhaust ports, and Schunk camshafts. The electrical system was also upgraded from 6-volt to 12-volt for modern reliability and better lighting on long rides.
The history file tells of a very interesting story:
While still Stateside, this 1948 Indian Chief was acquired from Plainfield, Illinois, as a rolling chassis before Indian specialist Pete Bollenbach at Bollenbach Engineering in East Dundee, Illinois, completed a comprehensive ground-up restoration. During the rebuild, the engine was blueprint-remanufactured and enlarged to an 80-cubic-inch specification, featuring modified cases, 1950-spec pistons, enlarged intake/exhaust ports, and Schunk camshafts. The electrical system was also upgraded from 6-volt to 12-volt for modern reliability and better lighting on long rides.
Proven as a remarkably durable road machine, the Chief logged over 12,000 miles following its restoration, including a famous 14-day, 4,000-mile tour across Mexico's Baja Peninsula where it comfortably cruised between 70 and 85 mph. Its extensive post-restoration accomplishments earned it the cover story spot ("The Steed in the Lead") in the Winter 1993 issue of Indian Motorcycle Illustrated. Now registered in the UK as an exempt Historic Vehicle, the motorcycle retains its period-correct aesthetic alongside its upgraded, high-performance mechanicals.
Key Information
- Mileage: 12,000 miles (indicated)
- Country of registration: United Kingdom (imported from USA)
- Technical inspection status: MOT/road tax exempt
- Technical specs: 1,200cc V-twin, three-speed manual
- Paperwork: documents relating to its US history, including restoration and specifications
The Detail
- Shows 0 former UK registered keepers
- UK road registered since 2020 according to DVLA data
- Yellow and black two-tone scheme presenting very well
- Studded saddlebags, mud flaps and handlebar pouch
- Large screen faring
- Pillion seat fitted
- Tassled main seat
- Indian-stamped seat, grips, battery box and other components
- Chromed wire wheels
- Accessory lamps
- Large screen, presenting well
- Clean engine and gearbox casings
- Reported to run and ride well
Restoration details derived from history file:
- Restoration by specialist Pete Bollenbach
- Engine blueprint-rebuilt and upgraded to 1950-spec 80-cubic-inch capacity
- Modified crankcases to accommodate larger 80-inch pistons
- Cylinder heads "Bonnevilled" with enlarged intake and exhaust ports
- Fitted with high-performance Schunk camshafts
- Electrics upgraded from 6-volt to 12-volt for improved reliability and headlight output
- Finished in yellow and black paint scheme
- Equipped with dual leather saddlebags, fringed seat, front windshield, and auxiliary driving lights
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