Indian makes $36,000 at Melbourne Auction
Of the pair, a 1923 Indian Chief attracted the most attention, as it was largely original, and described as still being in running condition.
The smaller of the two Chiefs available in 1923, the auctioned lot carried the 61ci (1000cc) v-twin - which had been improved the year before - rather than the larger 74ci (1212cc) engine of the 'Big Chief.'
What made this Indian additionally desirable was the abundance of period factory and aftermarket accessories it was fitted with. These included a factory ammeter, Corbin speedometer, desirable Schebler DLX4 carburettor, as well as a Splitdorf generator (DU-1) and magneto (Model S).
In the vendor's ownership for the past 15 years, the Indian Chief was formerly in the collection of the vendor's father, who apparently rebuilt the engine at some point. In the hands of the vendor, the bike was largely a static display piece, but was fitted with new tyres, and occasionally started.
Consigned with the shell and incomplete frame for a Goulding sidecar, the '23 Chief sold, unregistered, for $36,000, which was at the top of its pre-auction estimate.
The other motorcycle consigned for the Melbourne Summer Auction was a 1955 BMW R25/3 250 single. In much better condition than the Indian, the R25/3 was an improvement on the R25/2 from 1951, and featured a larger fuel tank, full hub-width brakes on larger 18-inch wheels, and hydraulic damping for the front forks, as well as the plunger rear suspension which had been introduced in 1950.
Intake and exhaust on the 247cc single cylinder engine was improved with the R25/3, upping power to 13hp. These singles were usually fitted with a German-made Bing or SAWE carburettor.
While not as popular as the R51 Boxer twins from the same era, older BMW singles like this one are growing in popularity with collectors, but the example offered here failed to meet its reserve and was passed in.
Full results and further details from this auction can be found at www.shannons.com.au.
Images: courtesy of Shannons
