22-Years-Owned 1948 Indian Chief

Description

Introduced in 1922, the Chief evolved into Indian’s flagship model, and by 1948, it featured the distinctive styling that made it legendary—deeply skirted fenders and sweeping lines. Beneath its bold design was a 74 cubic inch (1,200cc) side-valve V-twin engine, known for its torque and reliability. This flathead engine, paired with a three-speed hand-shift transmission and foot-operated clutch, delivered smooth, dependable performance ideal for long-distance cruising.

The 1948 Chief incorporated a girder front fork and plunger-style rear suspension, innovations that improved comfort and handling. Its steel frame and drum brakes reflected the era’s engineering norms, while vibrant DuPont paint colors added flair.

The seller acquired this 1948 Indian Chief in 2003 and completed a multi-year refurbishment in 2010. The fuel tank and fenders are refinished in Seafoam Blue and mounted over a powder-coated black frame, and the 74ci V-twin is fed by a Linkert carburetor. A double-sprung Chum-Me seat and saddlebags are upholstered in black leather and adorned with fringed skirts, conchos, and nailhead trim, while the engine, frame, and rear bumper are protected by chrome-finished guards.

This Chief has been ridden less than one mile since the refurbishment was completed in 2010. Located in Corolla, North Carolina, it is now offered with some refurbishment-related invoices, various registration, ownership, and service documents, and a clean New Jersey title in the seller’s name.

Highlights

• Ridden less than one mile since a multi-year refurbishment was completed in 2010

• Fuel tank, rear fender, and replacement front fender refinished in correct Seafoam Blue

• Overhauled 74ci V-twin with Linkert M344 carburetor

• Hand-shifted three-speed transmission

• Girder front fork and plunger-style rear suspension

• Headlight, headdress fender light, and taillight

• Center and replacement side stands

• Chrome-finished trim and guards

• Lockable fender-mounted toolbox

• Drum brakes

• Kick starter

Modifications

• Chrome-finished two-into-one exhaust

• Chum-Me seat and saddlebags upholstered in black leather

• Polished 16″ wire spoke wheels with Coker Indian-script tires

• VAPE electronic ignition system and replacement wiring harness

• Replacement footboards

Servicing & Documentation

• A multi-year refurbishment of this Indian Chief was completed in 2010, with related invoices accompanying the sale.

Known Imperfections

• The reset odometer shows one mile since the refurbishment was completed in 2010. Total mileage is unknown

• Mechanical inspection recommended before use, as this Chief was last started in 2018

Ownership History

This 1948 Indian Chief was acquired by the seller in 2003 as a disassembled project and was subsequently refurbished. The refresh was completed in 2010 and less than one mile has been added since.

Included

• Some refurbishment-related invoices

• Various registration, ownership, and service documentation (see "Additional documents" section below)

• Ignition and toolbox keys

Additional Information

From the seller: “The bike was last started in 2018. Since I never used it, it was only started twice a year, but it needed a full service annually because the fuel and carburetor would gum up. I decided to keep the bike dry from then on. The seat, saddle bags, and toolbox have never been used. Also, the shifter was an option in 1948—left or right from the factory. They may have kits for it."