12 bhp, 348 cc OHV single-cylinder engine.

Indian was once America’s sentimental favourite motorcycle brand, but nothing much remains of it now, despite several efforts to revive it. The company was founded in 1901 and was competitive from the first days of racing, including placing 1-2-3 in the 1911 Isle of Man Senior TT. After WWI a number of well-known British riders, such as Freddy Dixon, successfully campaigned Indians, and Dixon won the 1923 Belgian Grand Prix on a 498-cc single. Indians were variously OHV and side-valve, V-twin (including eight-valve heads) four-cylinder engines derived from the ACE and single cylinders. The big side-valve twins included the Art Deco Chiefs and the sporting Scouts.

The best-known singles in the 1920s were the OHV and SV Indian Prince of 350 cc, which was developed in 1925 to compete in the new American Motorcycle Association classes on both board and dirt tracks. Anticipating the new class, Indian was ready to race, while Harley-Davidson scrambled to come up with the Peashooter.

The Prince on offer is a rare overhead valve example in original condition with paintwork that appears to be largely original. The brightwork on the other hand appears to have been re-plated. The motorcycle is understood to have been delivered new to Italy where it has remained all of its life and has some interesting features including a rear carrier for luggage, an Indian mascot mounted to the front mudguard, an Indian ammeter and a headlight switch mounted to the top tube above the petrol tank. Full lighting equipment is fitted, and power is generated by a dynamo. These Indians rarely come to market, and this is a particularly attractive example.