Highlights
- History traceable to a post-WW1 purchase in the UK, with subsequent use in Northern Rhodesia (now Zambia)
- In the same family's ownership since 1966, approximately 60 years
- Mechanical restoration carried out by retired Vintage Motorcycle Club members
- Written reports and photographs of restoration work are available
The Appeal
The Indian Powerplus is one of the most significant American motorcycles of the early twentieth century. Its 1,000cc side-valve V-twin was a landmark powerplant, and surviving examples, particularly those with sidecar fittings, are highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts worldwide.
This particular machine has a notable provenance. Reportedly purchased in the UK after the First World War by a Devon man who shipped it to Northern Rhodesia (now Zambia), it was discovered on a farm there in 1966 by the seller's father. He stripped and crated the bike, importing it to Malawi, before moving it to Zimbabwe in 1982.
Shipped to Scotland in 2003 for safekeeping, narrowly avoiding the fire that destroyed the Zimbabwean farmhouse where it had been stored just three years later, the bike was entrusted to retired members of the Vintage Motorcycle Club in Lanark in 2018 for restoration. Significant mechanical work was completed before the project was unfortunately paused following the passing of the team leader.
Offered now as a partially restored project in the Scottish Borders, this Powerplus requires reassembly and the sourcing of some missing components, but it comes with written reports and photographs documenting the work undertaken. For the right enthusiast, this is a rare opportunity to bring a storied early Indian back to life.
Key Information
- Mileage: odometer inoperative; actual mileage unknown
- Country of registration: imported to United Kingdom, registration pending
- Technical inspection status: exempt
- Technical specs: 1,000cc V-twin, three-speed manual
- Paperwork: written reports and photographs of restoration work carried out by VMCC members are available
The Detail
- Currently broken down into components for storage; requires reassembly to complete the restoration
- Several parts are missing, including parts of the magneto, a wheel hub, the throttle control mechanism and parts of the sidecar
- No instruments or switchgear present; a working klaxon is included
- Saddle has been repaired
- Sidecar is present but requires full coachwork restoration
- Non-runner in its current state
- Permanently imported to the UK with duty and taxes paid; registration pending
- The previous owner in Zambia reported the bike tended to develop a speed-wobble at 60 mph
BEFORE YOU BUY
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:
✓ The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions..
✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.
✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.
✓ VAT is included in the buyer's fee. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.
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✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed on Car & Classic and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance. However, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it is always worthwhile carrying out your own full vehicle history check before making an offer on a vehicle.
✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection
or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it's worth checking beforehand. It is the bidders responsibility to confirm import eligibility prior to purchase.
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