Original Unrestored 1948 Indian Motorcycle with 8 original miles. What's it worth?
Neighbor of a guy I work with is selling a 1948 Indian. He claims it has 8 original miles on it, which I find hard to believe but is supposedly true. Its unrestored, but has been garaged and is supposed to be in pretty decent shape. Anyone know what this is really worth? He's selling for $27k.
BTW - its the 74 cubic inch model - the Chief. Thats all I know.
If it's a Chief, and has 8 miles legit, it would be worth more than the $27k asking price, provided it's not in bad shape. Restored 48 Chief's go for that kind of money. A bike can be restored many times in it's life, it can only be orignal once, which is why I say it should sell for more than a restored bike. They didn't overheat either, they were low reving, understressed flathead engines. Parts are being remanufactured, and many parts are interchangable between different years making them easier to find too.
Newer Indians are not Indians at all. The company that made the newer ones bought the Indian name and just used S&S Harley clone engines, put on fender skirts, and reproduction Indian head fender lights to mimic the earlier design. The new company abruptly went out of business too.
