S-22720-0-1

3251928 Indian Type 401 FourRegistration no. DSL 393Engine no. DA481Smuggled out of Czechoslovakia before the Berlin Wall came down,this Indian Four was purchased by the vendor in 1988. The machinewas in a very poor state and it would be a long time before it ever sawthe road again. A friend of the vendor, marque specialist Alan Forbes ofMotolux in Edinburgh was commissioned to undertake the restoration.Once dismantled, the engine was sent to Bill Healing Restorations inNorthfleet, Kent. Bill had done a lot of work for Fred Warr, the HarleyDavidson dealer in London, and was an expert when it came to fourcylinderAmerican motorcycle engines. Bill stripped the engine andproduced a meticulous written report of everything required. Themost important observation was that there were no cracks in any ofthe cases or cylinder fins.Everything was rebuilt, the engine alone taking four years tocomplete. Far too lengthy to reproduce here, the list of works carriedout, invoices issued and Bill Healing’s original report are containedwithin the extensive history file (inspection recommended). Duringthe strip down, Bill found traces of red paint on the crankcases.Research revealed that Indian had copied the Ace Four in havingcoloured ‘cases.In the case of the Ace they were blue whereas the Indian Four’s werered. Indian’s advertising literature showed red crankcases, so it wasdecided to finish them in that colour. The machine certainly looksstunning.Once the engine came back from Bill Healing, Motolux continued therestoration. Every nut and bolt was replaced and nickel-plated andthe rebuild’s attention to detail is impressive. Rick Parkington, whonow writes for Classic Bike magazine in the ‘Garage’ section, workedfor Motolux at that time and carried out most of the rebuild. Therestoration was completed in 2000 and only a handful of miles havebeen covered since then. The machine is described by the vendoras in generally excellent condition, though we are advised that thedynamo requires attention. In addition, careful re-commissioning andthe customary safety checks will be required before the machinereturns to the road. Offered with V5 registration document.£65,000 - 70,000€91,000 - 98,000Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the description and condition of each lotprior to bidding. All lots are sold “as is/where is” with all defects and faults.motorcycles | 109