Description
This motorcycle is Lot 392 - To be auctioned by Bonhams at The Spring Stafford Sale (The International Classic MotorCycle Show) on 26th & 27th April, please see the Bonhams website for full details.
Auction Timings:
Lots 101 - 147 are to be sold from 14:00 on Saturday 26th April 2025.
Lots 201 - 410 are to be sold from 11:00 on Sunday 27th April 2025.
Public Viewing:
Available 26th & 27th April 2025 from 09:00 until 17:00, at The Stafford County Showground (The International Classic MotorCycle Show).
Lot 392
1931 Indian 750cc 101 Scout
Registration no. not registered
Frame no. G4440
Engine no. EGP3886
Successful middleweight sports model
Offered from an Australian private collection
Restored condition
Oscar Hedstrom and Oliver Hendee, both active in the cycle racing world, got together to found the Hendee Manufacturing Company and build the first prototype Indian motorcycle in 1901. That first machine was powered by a single-cylinder, 'F-head' (inlet over exhaust) engine that formed part of the 'diamond' frame, in the Indian's case it sloped rearwards to act as the seat tube. An advanced feature in motorcycling's early, pioneering days, chain drive was used by Indian right from the start.
The Indian single proved immensely successful and provided the basis for the first of the powerful, large-capacity v-twins for which the marque is best remembered. The Springfield firm's first 'Big Twin' debuted that same year displacing 988cc. At the end of 1915 the Big Twin, by this time equipped with 998cc engine, leaf-sprung frame and three-speed countershaft gearbox, was superseded by a new 'flat head' v-twin - the Powerplus - thus bringing to an end a noble line.
A smaller Indian v-twin model, the 37ci (600cc) Scout, joined the existing 61ci (1, 000cc) Powerplus twin for 1920. In a somewhat unusual departure, this new smaller Indian twin featured primary drive by helical gears, rather than the more usual chain, and soon gained a reputation for indestructibility: "You can't wear out an Indian Scout," claimed the company's advertising. In other respects the 'flat head' v-twin motor followed the successful Powerplus formula. Detachable cylinder heads were the Scout's big news for 1925 and two years later a 45ci (750cc) variant arrived, to be followed in April 1928 by the 101 Scout. The latter featured a revised 750cc engine in a new, longer-wheelbase frame, and this medium-weight sports model would prove an immense success for the Springfield firm, so much so that its replacement in 1931 by a heavier Chief-framed model was greeted with dismay.
In current ownership for over 12 years, this beautiful Indian 101 Scout is offered from an Australian private collection and was fully restored four years ago. Following the restoration, it has been kept on display in the vendor's collection.
During the restoration process, the wheels were rebuilt and re-laced. The Splitdorf NS-2 magneto was also overhauled and rebuilt. The engine was rebuilt with new pistons, bearings, and other parts replaced where necessary. The drivetrain was bench tested prior to being fitted into the rolling chassis, and all fluids were then drained for display. Key not required.
All lots are sold 'as is/ where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding. Visit the Bonhams Motorcycles website for all pertinent auction information.
