1947 Indian Chief Roadmaster 1200cc 74 c.i. Motorcycle 19,209 Miles 2 cyl 1200cc 40HP Manual

Description


(888) 778-3751
(888) 778-3751
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Full size photos
Full size photos
19,209 Miles 2 cyl 1200cc 40HP Manual
Stock #:
78477
Exterior Color:
Black
Interior Color:
Black
Transmission:
Manual
Engine:
2 cyl 1200cc 40HP
Mileage:
19,209
Matching #'s 1947 Indian Chief Roadmaster.
Engine # CDG8477 - BM
VIN # 3478477
Wonderful survivor in excellent condition.
Recently acquired from collection in climate controlled storage.
The Chief was introduced as Indians heavyweight competitor to Harley-Davidson and lasted for 31 years. In 1922, 21 years after the company began building bikes, Indian launched the Chief with a 61 cubic inch flathead V-twin, although a larger 74 cubic inch bike, called the Big Chief, was an option. The 61-inch Chef only lasted until 1928, when it was discontinued, but the 74-inch flathead engine remained until 1950. Indian remained faithful to the principle of a flathead and in doing so escaped some of the pitfalls that Harley-Davidson encountered in their efforts with overhead valve designs.
Aside from the engine, the Indian was actually rather unconventional, with its left-hand twist grip (apparently so that policemen would be able to use their pistols with their right hand), a foot clutch, hand shift and the ignition advance controlled by the right handlebar grip. A 3-speed gearbox was standard, but a 4-speed gearbox and a reverse gear were options.
Before the Second World War, front suspension was by leaf spring, but in the postwar years this was changed to girder and coil springs. Rear suspension, meanwhile, went from an un-sprung hard-tail to a coil spring plunger. The Indian Chief benefitted from a range of spectacular paint colors after E. Paul DuPont took control of the company (after the merger of Indian with DuPont motors) in 1930 and these eye-grabbing paint finishes made for one of the most distinctive external features of Indian motorcycles. The instantly recognizable art-deco skirted fenders first appeared in 1940 and were accompanied by large leather saddles with a chrome plated grab rail for the passenger.
After World War II, the Chief was the only Indian motorcycle to return to production. In the postwar years, the V-twin made 40 bhp and could propel the bike to 85 mph, but more aggressive cams, careful tuning and a magneto ignition made 100 mph a reality, and 35 mpg was possible. In 1950, telescopic front forks came out and the engine was stroked to its final 80 cubic inch size. At 550 lb, the Chief was no featherweight, but its mass was actually quite manageable until it came to stopping, with the tiny drum brakes now being considered unequal to the task.
Postwar Chiefs also received a smoother siamese exhaust, and a new instrument panel and chrome Stewart Warner speedometer dominated the tank. Needle bearings in the front forks were replaced by bushings with grease fittings, and the frame crossmember behind the seat became a curved section of square tubing. An illuminated Indian chiefs head placed right atop the front fender became the bikes most iconic feature.
The postwar years saw Indian flounder with smaller twins that never got properly developed, but the Chief continued on as the companys standard bearer until the very end of production in 1953.
The Indian Chief is one of the few legendary American motorcycles that isnt a Harley-Davidson, and these days sound examples of the Chief are much prized and many have been beautifully restored in the Easter egg colors for which they are best known. Once the rider gets used to the idiosyncrasies of the controls, the Chief is still a fast, elegant and even reliable way to travel America.
Vehicle Description
Matching #'s 1947 Indian Chief Roadmaster.
Engine # CDG8477 - BM
VIN # 3478477
Wonderful survivor in excellent condition.
Recently acquired from collection in climate controlled storage.
The Chief was introduced as Indians heavyweight competitor to Harley-Davidson and lasted for 31 years. In 1922, 21 years after the company began building bikes, Indian launched the Chief with a 61 cubic inch flathead V-twin, although a larger 74 cubic inch bike, called the Big Chief, was an option. The 61-inch Chef only lasted until 1928, when it was discontinued, but the 74-inch flathead engine remained until 1950. Indian remained faithful to the principle of a flathead and in doing so escaped some of the pitfalls that Harley-Davidson encountered in their efforts with overhead valve designs.
Aside from the engine, the Indian was actually rather unconventional, with its left-hand twist grip (apparently so that policemen would be able to use their pistols with their right hand), a foot clutch, hand shift and the ignition advance controlled by the right handlebar grip. A 3-speed gearbox was standard, but a 4-speed gearbox and a reverse gear were options.
Before the Second World War, front suspension was by leaf spring, but in the postwar years this was changed to girder and coil springs. Rear suspension, meanwhile, went from an un-sprung hard-tail to a coil spring plunger. The Indian Chief benefitted from a range of spectacular paint colors after E. Paul DuPont took control of the company (after the merger of Indian with DuPont motors) in 1930 and these eye-grabbing paint finishes made for one of the most distinctive external features of Indian motorcycles. The instantly recognizable art-deco skirted fenders first appeared in 1940 and were accompanied by large leather saddles with a chrome plated grab rail for the passenger.
After World War II, the Chief was the only Indian motorcycle to return to production. In the postwar years, the V-twin made 40 bhp and could propel the bike to 85 mph, but more aggressive cams, careful tuning and a magneto ignition made 100 mph a reality, and 35 mpg was possible. In 1950, telescopic front forks came out and the engine was stroked to its final 80 cubic inch size. At 550 lb, the Chief was no featherweight, but its mass was actually quite manageable until it came to stopping, with the tiny drum brakes now being considered unequal to the task.
Postwar Chiefs also received a smoother siamese exhaust, and a new instrument panel and chrome Stewart Warner speedometer dominated the tank. Needle bearings in the front forks were replaced by bushings with grease fittings, and the frame crossmember behind the seat became a curved section of square tubing. An illuminated Indian chiefs head placed right atop the front fender became the bikes most iconic feature.
The postwar years saw Indian flounder with smaller twins that never got properly developed, but the Chief continued on as the companys standard bearer until the very end of production in 1953.
The Indian Chief is one of the few legendary American motorcycles that isnt a Harley-Davidson, and these days sound examples of the Chief are much prized and many have been beautifully restored in the Easter egg colors for which they are best known. Once the rider gets used to the idiosyncrasies of the controls, the Chief is still a fast, elegant and even reliable way to travel America.
Vehicle Warranty
Mechanical inspections welcomed; if you wish to inspect the vehicle you must do so before bidding; upon request seller will be happy to deliver the vehicle to a local Torrance, CA or Santa Monica, CA mechanic of your choice for your prepaid inspection before the reserve price is met. Once the reserve price is met this vehicle is to be considered sold in ‘as is, where is’ condition to the highest bidder with no guaranties or warranties implied or given. Please have all funds available before bidding as a ,000 non-refundable deposit is required from the winning bidder within 48 hours (2 business days) of auction end; an immediate 0 non-refundable deposit is required through Ebay’s Paypal service to end the auction early if the "Buy it now" option is exercised and the balance in full is due within ten days of auction end in any case. In the case these terms of sale are not met seller reserves the right to either re-list the vehicle or offer the vehicle to the next highest bidder. Seller reserves the right to end the auction at any time before the reserve price is met. Payment by bank wire transfer, cash in person or cashiers check only. All inspections must be done prior to bidding. The non-refundable deposit in the amount of ,000 is due within 48 hours of the auction end via bank wire transfer or cashier's check via overnight mail. The full payment must be completed within 10 business days regardless of a pick up date. In the event the deposit is not posted within the required period of time, the vehicle will be offered for sale to the next subsequent high bidder or relisted for sale. This is to be considered an absolute sale and the buyer is required to comply with all of my conditions in these terms of sale. By placing a bid and winning the auction you hereby agree to abide completely with these terms of sale and the terms of sale are to be considered a legal and binding purchase agreement. Once again, please note that there are no inspections to be made after the auction ends - please be sure to complete any inspection before bidding. The Seller reserves the right to cancel any bid at any time and to end the auction early for any reason. The seller makes every effort to describe in detail any known flaws in the vehicle and includes many detailed and recent photos of the vehicle. The mileage on the vehicle is correct at the time of listing but obviously subject to minor changes necessary to complete delivery of the vehicle to the buyer and test drives etc. Please note that all used vehicles, especially classic and older vehicles, are by definition unique and complex and their condition, for better or worse, must always be considered a subjective opinion to each individual. Therefore the seller shall not be responsible for the absolute correct description, authenticity, genuineness, or defects herein, and makes no guaranties or warranty in connection therewith. Vehicles are sold with one master key unless otherwise stated. Vehicles are sold with handbooks and manuals only if stated in the advertisement. Buyer hereby acknowledges that any definition or terms relating to a "matching numbers" description of any car has been met and the buyer has inspected the car and is satisfied with the description prior to bidding or purchase. No allowance will be made on account of any incorrectness, imperfection, defect or damage. Any descriptions or representations are for identification purposes only and are not to be construed as a warranty of any type. It is the responsibility of the buyer to have thoroughly inspected the vehicle, and to have satisfied himself or herself as to the condition and value of the vehicle before bidding and to bid based upon that judgment solely. Seller assumes no responsibility for any repairs whatsoever regardless of any oral or written statements about the vehicle.
About West Coast Classics
West Coast Classics are renown licensed and bonded California Classic Car Dealers who specialize in buying & selling rare American & European classic cars with our showrooms locatedin southern California at 1205 Bow Avenue in Torrance, CA 90501. Please contact us to verify the current status of any vehicle of interest and note that all test drives are by appointment only.
We ship throughout the world and will provide you with an unparalleled service in any of your rare, sports, exotic, luxury, collector or classic car needs. So whether you want to sell your classic car, truck, hot rod, custom or simply rare or exotic car or indeed to buy a classic car that we have in our inventory, contact us today, it is what we do enthusiastically every sunny day here in southern California USA! Thanks for your interest and we look forward to helping you!
PLEASE FEEL FREE TO CALL US DIRECTLY MONDAY - SATURDAY ON OUR TOLL FREE NUMBER LISTED HERE ON EBAY DURING REGULAR CALIFORNIA BUSINESS HOURS OR ON 424-376-5151 OR ALTERNATIVELY CONTACT US ANYTIME BY EMAIL THROUGH EBAY'S "ASK SELLER A QUESTION" LINK OR THROUGH OUR WEBSITE www.WestCoastClassics.com - WE LOOK FORWARD TO HEARING FROM YOU.
West Coast Classics are renown licensed and bonded California Classic Car Dealers who specialize in buying & selling rare American & European classic cars with our showrooms locatedin southern California at 1205 Bow Avenue in Torrance, CA 90501. Please contact us to verify the current status of any vehicle of interest and note that all test drives are by appointment only.
We ship throughout the world and will provide you with an unparalleled service in any of your rare, sports, exotic, luxury, collector or classic car needs. So whether you want to sell your classic car, truck, hot rod, custom or simply rare or exotic car or indeed to buy a classic car that we have in our inventory, contact us today, it is what we do enthusiastically every sunny day here in southern California USA! Thanks for your interest and we look forward to helping you!
PLEASE FEEL FREE TO CALL US DIRECTLY MONDAY - SATURDAY ON OUR TOLL FREE NUMBER LISTED HERE ON EBAY DURING REGULAR CALIFORNIA BUSINESS HOURS OR ON 424-376-5151 OR ALTERNATIVELY CONTACT US ANYTIME BY EMAIL THROUGH EBAY'S "ASK SELLER A QUESTION" LINK OR THROUGH OUR WEBSITE www.WestCoastClassics.com - WE LOOK FORWARD TO HEARING FROM YOU.
Contact us for more details
(888) 778-3751
(888) 778-3751
Terms and Conditions
Payment Options
We accept the following payment methods:
- Cashier's Check/money order
- Loan check from eBay Financing Center
- Cash (in person)
- Personal check (once cleared)
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All shipping charges are buyer's responsibility.
Finance, Warranty, Shipping question?
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General Terms
PLEASE NOTE THAT FOLLOWING THE INITIAL PHOTOS LOCATED TO THE LEFT OF THE "PLACE BID" & "BUY IT NOW" AUCTION OPTIONS; FURTHER DOWN & JUST PRIOR TO THE VEHICLE DESCRIPTION WE HAVE A FURTHER UP TO APPROXIMATELY 200 LARGE PIXEL PHOTOS OF EACH OF OUR CARS LISTED HERE ON EBAY WHICH ARE VIEWABLE IMMEDIATELY ABOVE THE "VEHICLE DESCRIPTION" & BELOW OUR DEALER LOGO - SEE THE EBAY "VIEW FULL SIZE PHOTOS" LINK TO VIEW ALL OF OUR AVAILABLE IMAGES
PAYMENT OPTIONS:
WE WILL ACCEPT FULL PAYMENT BY BANK WIRE TRANSFER, CASH IN PERSON, CERTIFIED FUNDS & INSTITUTIONAL FINANCING. PLEASE NOTE THAT PAYMENT IN FULL IS DUE WITHIN TEN BUSINESS DAYS OF THE END OF THE AUCTION AS PER OUR TERMS OF SALE LISTED BELOW. PLEASE FURTHER NOTE THAT PAYPAL AND CREDIT CARD PAYMENTS WILL BE ACCEPTED FOR
DEPOSITS
ONLY.
PLEASE NOTE THAT A COMPLIMENTARY COPY OF THE
CARFAX REPORT
FOR ANY CAR MANUFACTURED AFTER THE YEAR 1981 CAN BE VIEWED ON OUR CARFAX ACCOUNT BY USING THE CARFAX LINK LOCATED UNDERNEATH OUR VEHICLE DESCRIPTION HERE ON EBAY OR ON OUR WEBSITE
SELLER IS HAPPY TO ASSIST BUYER IN ARRANGING COMPETITIVE, PROFESSIONAL AND INSURED SHIPPING FROM A REPUTABLE AND INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING COMPANY. BUYER TO PAY ALL SHIPPING COSTS. PLEASE NOTE THAT WEST COAST CLASSICS SELLS & SHIPS CARS WORLDWIDE.
Notice to Bidders: All of the vehicles we list on eBay are for sale both internationally and locally.  We reserve the right to end an auction early.
Deposit: We require a non-refundable ,000 deposit via Paypal within 48 hours of winning the auction and a non-refundable 0 Paypal deposit to end the auction early by exercising the "Buy it Now' option. Please note that we only accept Paypal for deposits only. Balance payments are due in full within 10 business days by bank wire transfer or cashiers check. Please feel fee to call us for any reason including to make arrangements for payment.
All sales transactions must be completed within 10 calendar days of auction close.
Prices subject to change without notice and do not include Title, License, Registration Fees, State or Local Taxes or Processing Fees, if any; please read fees and taxes disclosure below. Please contact seller first for vehicle availability. Although every effort is made to present accurate and reliable information, use of this information is voluntary, and should only be deemed reliable after an independent review of its accuracy, completeness, and timeliness. It is the sole responsibility of the customer to verify the existence of options, accessories and the vehicle condition before time of sale. Any and all differences must be addressed prior to time of sale. No expressed or implied warranties, including the availability or condition of the equipment listed is made. EPA mileage estimates for comparison purposes only. Actual mileage may vary depending on driving conditions, driving habits, and vehicle maintenance.
The seller makes every effort to describe in detail any known flaws in the vehicle and includes many detailed and recent photos of the vehicle. The mileage on the vehicle is correct at the time of listing but obviously subject to minor changes necessary to complete delivery of the vehicle to the buyer and test drives etc. Please note that all used vehicles, especially classic and older vehicles, are by definition unique and complex and their condition, for better or worse, must always be considered a subjective opinion to each individual. Therefore the seller shall not be responsible for the absolute correct description, authenticity, genuineness, or defects herein, and makes no guaranties or warranty in connection therewith. Vehicles are sold with one master key unless otherwise stated. Vehicles are sold with handbooks and manuals only if stated in the advertisement. Buyer hereby acknowledges that any definition or terms relating to a "matching numbers" description of any car has been met and the buyer has inspected the car and is satisfied with the description prior to bidding or purchase. No allowance will be made on account of any incorrectness, imperfection, defect or damage. Any descriptions or representations are for identification purposes only and are not to be construed as a warranty of any type. It is the responsibility of the buyer to have thoroughly inspected the vehicle, and to have satisfied himself or herself as to the condition and value of the vehicle before bidding and to bid based upon that judgment solely. Seller assumes no responsibility for any repairs whatsoever regardless of any oral or written statements about the vehicle.
Mechanical inspections welcomed; if you wish to inspect the vehicle you must do so before bidding; upon request seller will be happy to deliver the vehicle to a local Torrance or Santa Monica mechanic of your choice for your prepaid inspection before the reserve price is met. Once the reserve price is met this vehicle is to be considered sold in ‘as is, where is’ condition to the highest bidder with no guaranties or warranties implied or given. Once again, please note that there are no inspections to be made after the auction ends - please be sure to complete any inspection before bidding.
Good luck and thanks for your interest.
Fees and Taxes
Please note that CA Sales tax, DMV license fees, DMV registration fees, dealer documentary fee, any finance charges, CA emission testing fees, and any compliance fees are additional to the advertised price if any vehicle is to be sold and registered in California and not exported out of state by bill of laden; please see full details below. Vehicle is listed on other industry websites and publications internationally, we reserve the right to end the auction at any time.
This vehicle is being sold by West Coast Classics, LLC; we are licensed and bonded vehicle dealers in the state of California. Please note that all vehicles sold to be registered in the state of California will be charged California sales tax on the final EBay sales price and any required government licensing, smog, documentation and registration fees. If leaving the state or country, the vehicle must be picked up by a professional licensed auto transportation company that can provide a bill of lading, otherwise California sales tax will be charged. (All licensed auto transport companies provide these). Any out of the state and international buyers will upon completion of the sale be sent by FEDEX the title and bill of sale for the vehicle and will be personally responsible for any sales tax and licensing and registration fees in their home state or province. All bids are legal and binding contracts to purchase the vehicle and by bidding you are hereby entering into a legal and binding contract to purchase the vehicle and agreeing to accept and abide by these terms of sale:
Please have all funds available before bidding as a ,000 non-refundable deposit is required from the winning bidder within 48 hours (2 business days) of auction end; an immediate 0 non-refundable deposit is required through Ebay’s Paypal service to end the auction early if the "Buy it now" option is exercised and the balance in full is due within ten days of auction end in any case. In the case these terms of sale are not met seller reserves the right to either re-list the vehicle or offer the vehicle to the next highest bidder. Seller reserves the right to end the auction at any time before the reserve price is met. Payment in full to be received by bank wire transfer, cash in person or cashiers check only. All inspections must be done prior to bidding. The non-refundable deposit in the amount of ,000 is due within 48 hours of the auction end via bank wire transfer or cashier's check via overnight mail. The full payment must be completed within 10 days regardless of a pick up date. In the event the deposit is not posted within the required period of time, the vehicle will be offered for sale to the next subsequent high bidder or relisted for sale. This is to be considered an absolute sale and the buyer is required to comply with all of my conditions in these terms of sale. By placing a bid and winning the auction you hereby agree to abide completely with these terms of sale and the terms of sale are to be considered a legal and binding purchase agreement. The Seller reserves the right to cancel any bid at any time and to end the auction early for any reason.
A documentation fee of , which is capped and regulated in California as opposed to some other states, is charged on each sale, which once established legally has to be charged equally on each sale, to cover any necessary costs related to FEDEX mailings and other professional documentation paperwork fees for processing documents to establish title and registration in order to complete the transfer of documents to the new registered owner.