need info: 48 Indian

[Walker]

Heading to a house tomorrow after work to look at a one owner 1948 Indian 3 speed. Owner bought it to do his paper route back in the day, claims condition is fair, still has ok chrome and decals are all still legible.

From my research these were made in the UK?

Are they just a rebadged Raleigh?

Is this solid gold or not terribly desirable?

I have no experience with this type of bike, any insight would be great. Thanks

 

[Crassly]

I'm not going to be a lot of help on this one, but I know a little bit. They are from the UK. The girls model was the Indian Princess. Not sure who made them, but I believe like all British bikes, parts are interchangeable with Raleigh. Some will tell you they are valuable and others will argue they aren't worth any more than a Raleigh of comparable age and condition. I think it is like the John Deere bikes, there are certain collectors out there who value them more than most.

 

[Walker]

Thanks Crassly. kind of what I figured. if it isn't something I want he may just pass it on to his kids or I will help him sell it. He also mentioned some old bike parts so I'll have my fingers crossed..

 

[Walker]

so the bike turned out to be really rough! pretty much no chrome left, would have needed all new cables, housings, brake pads, tires & tubes and a full teardown. I passed..

 

[marius.suiram]

I think they are U.S. made. I have a 1953 Indian Scout, boys bike.
It is a three speed Sturmey-Archer (England).
I think, last year when I got the bike, it was one for sale on ebay for 4 or 500 $.
Check these sites

http://www.oldbike.eu/indian/?page_id=95
http://dialyourride.wordpress.com/1952-indian-scout/

Marius

 

[Walker]

they are a Raleigh knock off basically. Built by Phillips in England