RARE INDIAN TO BE AUCTIONED

Conducted by Auctions America by RM, the auction covers 80 vehicles from the National Military History Center in Auburn, Indiana. In addition to the motorcycles, military trucks, half-tracks and other special purpose military vehicles have also been consigned, along with more than 100 items of military memorabilia. For military motorcycle fans though, the 841 and XA represent something extra special, as few examples of these machines exist and rarely come up for sale.

Developed to fulfil a request for the US War Department for a new prototype military motorcycle, the 841 differed from conventional Indian practise in that its v-twin engine was arranged transversely, like a Moto Guzzi. The reason for this, like the horizontal v-twin XA developed by Harley-Davidson was to provide better cooling by having the air-cooled engine cylinders exposed to more passing air. This requirement is believed to be inspired by the initial planned deployment of these motorcycles to the desert war in North Africa and, presumably, action in the Pacific theater of World War II as well.

Aside from the layout, the 841's 45ci sidevalve v-twin was fairly standard Indian Scout-style specification, but featured a lower compression ratio and more restrictive air filter to limit ingress of sand to the workings.

A foot gear selector and right hand clutch lever were other features, along with a left hand throttle control. Like the Harley XA, the 841 was shaft drive, with lowered gearing to reduce wear on the engine in low speed conditions. Suspension was by girder forks at the front, while the rear was rigid with a sprung saddle.

Typical military additions were a front fork scabbard for a Thompson submachine gun and leather panniers. Front and rear engine crash bars were reportedly common fitment on the 841 as well.

Like the XA, around 1,000 units of Indian's 841 were produced for testing and assessment by the US Army through 1942, but adoption of the Jeep meant production didn't continue. While military Indian Scouts saw active service, it's believed no examples of the experimental 841 were deployed overseas.

Other motorcycle consignments of interest for this auction include rare BMW and Zundapp German Wehrmacht solos and sidecar outfits, a Moto Guzzi 'Alce' single, and a rare Belgian FN Tricar.

Every lot is being offered at no reserve, with the Indian given a pre-auction estimate of US$15,000 - $20,000. Guiding range for the Harley-Davidson XA is US$25,000 -$35,000, with a Harley UA v-twin with sidecar expected to sell for US$20,000 - $25,000.

Auctions America by RM will conduct their National Military History Center auction in Auburn, Indiana, on Saturday, December 8. For further details, go to www.auctionsamerica.com