1948 Indian Chief 348 Motor and frame are matching numbers Personal bike of former Indian Motorcycle dealership in Cortez, Col. Original repair and overhaul manual included Previous owner stored cycle since 2003 in climate-controlled basement Redone seat and two-tone paint; rebuilt speedometer New exhaust system MotoeXotica Classic Cars' latest showroom addition is our fully-restored 1948 Indian Chief 348 motorcycle. This bike was the personal motorcycle of Larry Melcher who owned Melcher Indian Motorcycle dealership in Cortez, Colo., back in the day. The previous owner purchased the cycle from Melcher who owned and maintained the bike for many a year, most likely since new! Indian is a U.S. brand of Motorcycles headquartered in Massachusetts from 1901-1953. The Scout and the Chief models were Indian's two biggest sellers. After bankruptcy in 1953, decades went by before Polaris Industries purchased Indian Motorcycles in 2011.In 1940, all Indian Chief models were fitted with large skirted fenders which eventually became the Indian trademark. The new frame was superior to rival Harley-Davidson's unsprung rear end. All '40s Chiefs were comfortable and capable of more than 100 mph rides when tuned. MotoeXotica has acquired an inter-war era Indian Chief bike. This 1948 motorcycle has had an extensive nut-and-bolt restoration by Mr. Melcher. The previous owner bought the motorcycle in 2001, and since '03 the Chief has been kept in a climate-controlled basement. The motor and frame are matching numbers, making this cycle very rare and highly original. New parts on this Chief are pistons, rings, pins, G rings, valve guides, valve keepers, valve covers, valve springs, valve collars, cylinder gaskets, head gaskets, base gaskets, cylinder sleeves, generator belt, regulator, wiring harness, cam case line, fender light complete, rims, spokes, seat springs, front and rear safety guards and more.The previous owners went to great lengths to help restore and maintain this '40s classic. Restoration includes - but is not limited to - leather seat, a new two-tone Red and White paintjob and a rebuilt speedometer. The exhaust system is new, and there are receipts documenting this work. There are even letters from the previous owner to the companies that helped restore his bike. Descriptions of how each part was fixed or restored are documented as well. Labor tally sheets show at least 71 hours went into the restoration and repair. The original repair and overhaul manual from the '40s is included. The engine this Chief has is new and rebuilt with 1,200 CC. The motor and body numbers are matching, making this motorcycle even more valuable and rare!This bike is in good running condition!If you're looking for a classic, well-cared for motorcycle to spice up your collection or for a fun weekend ride, MotoeXotica has your solution with this 1948 Indian Chief 348. GET OUT AND DRIVE! Please contact us for more information.