Highlights
• Part of the Steve McQueen Estate Auction at the Imperial palace in 1984, lot no. 592
• Certificate of Authenticity
• Featured in American Iron Magazine, Issue 322
• Comprehensive restoration
• 78 CI engine
• 6 volt distributor
• 3-speed transmission
• 16 inch wheels and tires
• Indian Red paint with brown leather saddle
History of the Indian Four
In the early 1900s, numerous 4-cylinder motorcycles were offered by different marques. Pierce, FN, Ace, Henderson and Cleveland, among others were on the roads in the U.S. There was emulation with the automobile industry as far as engines. The 4-cylinder engine was relished because of its smooth, vibration-free delivery of power. As time passed, numerous manufacturers began to fall to the wayside. William Henderson built a motorcycle with his name, and then later moved on to build the Ace. In 1928, Indian acquired the assets of Ace, and in looking to use up inventory, the initial models were called Indian-Aces. In 1929, the company began forging its own models, ironically using components from its smallest bike, the 101 Scout. Their market approach was for sidecars and police departments. As the U.S. crawled out of the Great Depression, Indian was the only 4-cylinder motorcycle extant. In 1938, the Four underwent major design changes. The head was changed to aluminum to facilitate cooling, and the crankshaft was improved. The 1938-42 Indian’s engine is considered the best of the runs.
In 1940 Indian introduced the skirted fenders which would become its trademark. They were still utilizing the leaf-spring girder fork, though in 1941 the plunger frame was introduced. Production was interrupted due to World War II and management chose not to continue the model after the war. The Indian Fours slipped into history but many were saved as people recognized early on the machine’s collectability.
Particularity of this machine
Finished in Indian Red paint, what makes this motorcycle so special is that it belonged to an extraordinary actor, a passionate biker, a motorcycle racer, a racecar driver, yes… Steve Mc Queen in person, who left an indelible imprint as one of Hollywood’s sexiest leading men. One of his famous quotes is “I’m not sure whether I’m an actor who races or a racer who acts”.
Steve McQueen was a great collector and acquired over 100 vintage motorcycles and cars. He passed away in Mexico in 1980 after having struggled a few years against disease.
In November 1984, his family held an auction of his bikes and cars at the Imperial Palace in Las Vegas. Our featured 1940 Indian Four was presented as lot 592. It was sold as an incomplete restoration. The engine was out of the frame, but it was a rolling chassis and according to his wife Barbara, Steve had ridden it often.
Since 1984, it was part of the Gene Harvey collection. It changed hands a few more times before it was acquired by the LaQuay Collection at the MidAmerica Motorcycle Auction organized in 2013 in Las Vegas as lot # 418.
The comprehensive restoration has since been finished, and the results are remarkable. Featuring a 78 CI engine, 6-volt distributor and 16-inch wheels and tires, this motorcycle was featured in “American Iron Magazine,” in Issue 322. (see picture).
The machine left the US in 2017. It can now be seen in our showroom in Brussels.
Titled, matching numbers and certificate of authenticity. (copy of all documents available on request)
For sure, one of the most desirable machines of the legendary actor.
