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ANTIQUES PEEK by Jessica Kosinski
ANTIQUES PEEK

Get Your Motor Runnin’

tyle is a matter of personal preference United States to stay open throughout the
for everyone. Motorcyclists are no Great Depression.
Sexception. Many motorcycle enthusiasts In the late 1920s, Indian began producing
have particular brands or models they favor. the Chief and the Scout. They would become
Antique and vintage American motorcycles the two models for which the company has
are especially popular. Let’s take a peek at been best known ever since. The Indian Chief
some of those American motorcycles and how in particular is highly coveted among motor-
to choose between them. cycle riders and collectors. New Chief models
were produced almost every year through
Harley-Davidson 1953, with the notable exception of 1949. 1939 Crocker
Many motorcyclists love Harleys, and for Since 1953, several companies have owned
good reason. They are known for being some the Indian Chief trademark and produced Ideal Vintage American Motorcycles
of the most durable and sturdy motorcycles their own bikes as Indian Chief. However, for Riders
ever made. The brand got its start in true enthusiasts look for those produced in or If you want to purchase a vintage
Milwaukee, Wisconsin over 100 years ago. before 1953. American motorcycle to actually ride, a
The year was 1903. Although, the first Harley Harley is one of the better options. You can
factory didn’t open until 1906. Earlier Harley enjoy the pride that comes with riding the top
prototypes were built in a shed by Arthur American brand still produced today. You
Davidson and William Harley. can also reap the benefits of the company’s
During the first year, the original factory ongoing success. Many Harley models were
was open, and only 50 bikes were produced. produced in large quantities, so they are often
By 1917, approximately half of the motor- easy to find and relatively affordable today,
cycles produced were made for the armed except for rare coveted models. That also
services of the United States. That military 1927 Indian Big Chief means parts for your vintage motorcycle
connection helped the company grow in both might be easier to find when it needs repairs.
popularity and production capabilities. Ace Motor Corporation The Harley-Davidson Sportster Ironhead is
Approximately 88,000 Harleys were produced Ace Motor Corporation was founded by a prime example. It has been in continuous
for the military throughout World War II. William G. Henderson. Mr. Henderson was production since 1957. Although, those pro-
originally producing four-cylinder motor- duced from 1986 onward have had superior
cycles in Chicago under the company name engine designs.
Henderson Motorcycle. Many collectors covet Top American Motorcycles
Ace motorcycles, which are fairly rare. They for Collectors
were only produced by Mr. Henderson
through his later Ace Motor Corporation As a collector, there are many motorcycles
business from 1920 to 1924. After that made in America that may warrant your
point, the company went into bankruptcy. attention. Crocker and Ace are not the only
Indian eventually purchased the rights to the producers of rare or expensive models. Many
Ace design. of the best were produced before World War
II, such as the Flying Merkel out of
1938 Knucklehead Milwaukee, Wisconsin. However, some great
motorcycles were also produced post-war.
Not every popular Harley was a military The best way to collect vintage American
bike, obviously. There are several vintage motorcycles is to decide which ones suit you.
Harley models that have been built strictly for Are you more interested in bikes designed for
civilians over the years. Some early models the open road? What about racing bikes? Does
paved the way for the civilian and military one particular brand stand out to you? Does a
successes the company has had since. One certain era fascinate you? Do you have a
example is the EL, which is better known as military connection and want
the Knucklehead. The first EL was produced to focus mainly on those
in 1936. One produced a year later sold at 1912 Flying Merkel Model W-S bikes? Once you ask those
auction in 2022 for $110,000. questions and examine
Crocker Motorcycle Company your budget, you can find
Hendee Manufacturing Company/Indian Albert Crocker operated the Crocker the perfect vintage
Motorcycle Company Motorcycle Company in Los Angeles American bike (or
Hendee Manufacturing Co. was founded California. His company quickly developed a bikes) for you.
around the turn of the 20th century in reputation for producing custom-ordered
Springfield, Massachusetts. It eventually V-twin engine bikes. Approximately 100
became known as the Indian Motorcycle custom bikes were produced between 1932
Company. By 1905, it was known for produc- and 1942. There are only 68 known
ing racing bikes. That association with racing Crocker V-twins still in existence today.
and breaking speed records may have saved Crocker V-twins are so rare and
the company, which was one of only two coveted that some of them are valued at Ace Four Motorcycle
motorcycle-producing companies in the over $750,000.

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