The 1933 Indian Motoplane is one of the rarest models. They made the 45ci Motoplane for just the one year, 1933, one of Indian's worst years in terms of production. The factory was only operating at about 1/3 capacity due to the depression. Any model of Indian from '33 is a rare find, and the Motoplane is the rarest of all.
In January of 2009, at the Mid America auction in Las Vegas, an Indian Motoplane sold for $75,000.00. It was a nice running original bike with an early re-paint. The auction brochure said:
"Another extremely rare motorcycle to be offered is a 1933 Indian Motoplane, possibly the only one in existence...."
You can pick up any book on Indian motorcycle history and find mention of the Motoplane. One author said they were so rare, he couldn't find a picture of one.
I've had this Motoplane for over twenty years. I traded for the bike knowing the engine and tranny had been taken apart for a rebuild and the parts were in boxes. I wanted to verify everything was there so I re-assembled the engine and tranny with the same parts. This was not intended to be the final assembly--I just wanted it all together so nothing could get misplaced. The engine will need new rings and bearings and possibly boring and pistons. The tranny will need bearings, but all the gears are NOS.
The carb and air breather are original. Nothing is frozen or badly rusted, even the throttle and spark advance work from the handlebars. I replaced the flat tires with new Cokers and found the rims and spokes to be in very good shape--all wheel bearings and brake parts are good and in working order.
I believe the obvious parts that are missing, like the chain guard and exhaust, are available in reproduction. It may not be real difficult to find originals because these parts were interchangeable with other Scout models from similar years.This would be a relatively easy restoration and I would consider restoring it for the buyer. I am selling this with a Bill of Sale. It has matching engine and frame numbers.
You're welcome to come take a look at the bike, we are located near San Diego. We'd be happy to help with shipping arrangments, but finding and arranging a shipper, would be your responsibility.
If you would like more information you can go to our website, IversenOriginals.com
Feel free to call me if you are interested in purchasing this valuable Indian. Dave 605-645-2573 (cell)
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