The effects of the coronavirus pandemic on the secondhand market might be hard to quantify this early in the recovery and re-opening process, but there's no doubt that the internet is now chock-full of amazing vehicles ready for anyone with the funds to make a purchase. Even the world of vintage motorcycle sales seems to be booming, as proven by a 1948 Indian Chief currently listed for sale by Sunnyside Classics of Elyria, Ohio, and also featured in the Hemmings Classifieds.
Looking Good
The listing describes a lovingly restored Indian with all the provenance imaginable and the looks to go with it. The bike shows in a gorgeous dark blue with fittings clean enough to eat off—even the saddle looks brand new. The impeccable condition can be attributed to the fact that only three miles have elapsed since a complete restoration was completed by James Soleberg of Ace Motors in Middletown Ohio. The bike even comes with break-in instructions from Soleberg to help assuage any concerns about over-revving and oil changes in the minds of potential buyers.
All Original Everything
Documentation for this piece of motorcycle history goes back to 1969, when it was titled in Chicago. The ad claims it is a numbers-matching example, which is additionally verified by the claim by Sunnyside Classics "offering our travel expenses guarantee- come see the car and if we have materially misrepresented its condition we will gladly pay half of your travel expenses up to $500.00- this offer had been in place since we sold our first classic and we haven't paid the money yet." And the shop does sound like experts, boasting three different 1940s-era Indians currently in their possession—their website lists four, however!
Sources: Sunnysideclassics, Hemmings