1944 Indian Chief Motorcycle — Essential Use
Buy it Now Price: SOLD Price Range: $49,950 Inquire About this Motorcycle
Overview
This is a rare 1944 Indian Chief Motorcycle. It was produced under an essential use order during WWII (probably less than 150 built). Essential production numbers were a small portion of the 3500 total production in 1944. It served original duty in the Nebraska Highway Patrol (1944-1954). This motorcycle was found thru a warehouse window leaning against a wall in used condition (1995). The current owner put the bike together, performed a garage restoration and rode it. He then had the ability to commission an oil painting by world famous automotive painter Harold Cleworth which was done at the Venice, CA Canals. (1998) The owner then decided to take it apart and do a ground up restoration taking the time and effort to correctly restore the motorcycle using original Indian parts following an in depth research about the Model. This beautiful and fine running motorcycle has less than 200 miles on the restoration (2006). This motorcycle has received a Jr. 2nd (2007), Jr. 1st (2008) and a Senior 1st (2009) in AMCA judging. (Bump start after knee operation)
NOTE: Video shown to the left shows a Bump Start after knee operation
Additional Videos Here: https://youtu.be/JXM_CrKeZXg and https://youtu.be/Zabr72P2TGk
Original Oil Painting by Renowned Painter, Harold Cleworth
1944 Indian Chief Motorcycle at Venice Canals, Southern California
http://www.haroldjamescleworth.com/about_HaroldJamesCleworth.htm
To view MORE about this awesome painting, please visit the page where it is listed for sale, HERE.
Mileage
Less than 200 miles on the restoration.
Paint
Excellent application of black enamel paint. Perfect finish.
Sheet Metal
Sheet metal is all original Indian. Great fit and finish. The original Police fenders are prepped and primed and will be included in the sale.
Chrome
No Chrome on the bike.
Mechanical
This motorcycle is in excellent mechanical condition with rebuilt engine by Merrill, an old time Indian mechanic who was working for Bob Stark. This ’44 Engine was the last engine Merrill restored before retiring.(2006)
Wheels & Tires
Rims are original Indian rims 16 inch, but modern Dunlop Race tires, due to softness/sticky of race tires makes cornering and braking a dream. Spokes are original, and correctly parkerized.
Front Tire is Dunlop K591 Elite SP 140/90 Side stand original made short for low profile tires and incl. original side stand for 16” rims … also motorcycle can use 18” rims also
Rear Tire is Dunlop K591 Elite SP 140/90
Title
Clean, clear, California Title with current registration
Engine # CDD 809 M
Frame # CDD 809
Valuation Resource Guide
Suggested value of a Chief Military is $39,405 in excellent trim. This bike should be of a higher order because of rareness of production of the “essential” model.
Accessories
The owner paid $10,000.00 (1998) for this beautiful oil painting (photo above) by renowned painter, Harold Cleworth. The painting will be available in a separate listing on the site at a higher price. However, if the buyer of this beautiful machine wishes to also buy this amazing painting it will be sold for the 1998 price that was originally paid.
http://www.haroldjamescleworth.com/about_HaroldJamesCleworth.htm
Oil Painting was done at the Venice Canals in California. Such a rare combo -- painting of Motorcycle, Venice Canal, Dwellings, Landscape, Bridge, etc.!