American Pickers Auction Bike: 1948 Indian Chief
Is a vehicle worth more if it has a connection to a famous name? That’s the question posed by this 1948 Indian Chief. At first glance, this legendary motorcycle teeters between being a potential restoration project and a parts bike. The iconic fenders catch the eye, diverting attention from the rust that has overtaken nearly every part of the bike. This big Indian was “picked” by Mike Wolfe of the TV show American Pickers and was sold along with a collection of other motorcycles by Mecum Auctions in 2023. The real question is whether Wolfe’s involvement adds value, or if this remains just another rough-condition Indian Chief. Would you pay a premium for the celebrity connection?
By 1945, the Indian Motorcycle Company was struggling. During World War II, they produced a limited number of motorcycles for the U.S. and its allies, while Harley-Davidson dominated military production. After the war, the domestic motorcycle market was flooded with surplus Harleys. When a group of investors took over Indian, they returned to the market with only a slightly updated Indian Chief. The following years saw little innovation, leading to the decline of this legendary brand. While several motorcycles have carried the Indian name since then, only the recent revival by Polaris Industries has had lasting success.
Despite Indian’s rich history, the Chief is the model that most Americans associate with the brand. Powered by a 74 cubic inch V-twin engine, this particular 1948 Indian Chief comes with a unique combination of features. The first thing that stands out is its diverse color palette. It’s unclear if this bike is a collection of parts from multiple motorcycles, but shades of orange, red, yellow, teal, and even purple are visible. A closer look reveals a girder front end, rear luggage rack, footboards, cross-laced wheels, and a fork-mounted mirror.
However, what gives pause is the level of corrosion this motorcycle has suffered over the years. A complete disassembly and careful analysis of critical parts like the frame and fork are essential for it to be safely ridden again. While restoring a Chief is often worthwhile due to its iconic status, the cost can be astronomical. Original Indian parts are incredibly expensive, while reproduction parts may decrease the bike’s value. Whether restored to its former glory or kept as a “ratty driver,” this bike requires significant investment in both time and money.
What sets this motorcycle apart from other rusty Indian Chiefs is its connection to Mike Wolfe, one of the stars of the History Channel’s American Pickers. Wolfe and his crew travel the country in search of hidden antiques, which they then sell to generate profit and interest in the show. His well-publicized love for motorcycles led to the sale of this bike, among others, in a special 2023 Mecum Auction in Las Vegas called the “As Found Collection.”
The restoration journey for this Chief will be extensive. While Wolfe’s association may drive up the bidding, the question remains whether there will be any added value once the restoration is complete. If you’re interested, this 1948 Indian Chief is currently for sale on eBay in New York, with bidding at $8,610 and just two days left to go. Would you pay extra for the celebrity connection, or is this bike’s condition too daunting for even the most dedicated restorer?
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