The revered 1940 Indian Four is set to excite bidders at Bonhams' Las Vegas Motorcycle auction on January 10, when it is sold from the Lawrence E Lattin Collection.
 The 1940 Indian Four combines both the beautiful and mechanical to excellent effect |
The motorcycle will sell with a $40,000-50,000 estimate. It has been consigned by the late Seattle-based collector's daughter, Lauren, who commented: "My dad was a collector of many things but vintage motorcycles were his most admirable.
"There's something to be said about a person that collects for the pure joy of collecting, but for my dad it ran deeper. He truly found fascination in the mechanical as well as the beauty."
The 1940 Indian Four is a perfect representation of Lattin's love for both factors, and would have made a similar impression on the public when first released. If its sweeping curves and leatherwork didn't catch your eye, the four-cylinder design certainly would have; it came at a time when most motorcycles were powered by just two cylinders.
First seen in 1928, the Four was subject to a re-style in 1940, with the Indian team adding plunger rear suspension, 16 inch balloon tyres and the instantly recognisable sheet metal fenders. It was discontinued shortly after the US entered the second world war and would not see production again, adding to its desirability.
 The Chief was first released in 1922 and is one of the most recognisable ever produced by Indian |
Holding the second highest estimate is the only other American bike in Lattin's collection, a 1947 Indian Chief. Unlike the Four, the Chief resumed production after the second world war and will now be offered with a $22,000-28,000 estimate.
The remainder of the collection has a British focus, with fantastic examples from BSA, Ariel and Norton.
Also featuring in the auction are some brilliant early motorcycles, including the 110-year-old Rambler Model B.
Paul Fraser Collectibles will be bringing you the results of this sale later in the week, so be sure to check back with us regularly.
