SOLD for $200,000 1928 Indian Ace // Mecum Las Vegas Motorcycles 2024

From the Wayne Kruty, Prospect Heights, Illinois private collection
Comprehensive restoration by Wayne Kruty in 2014
Engine and transmission assembly rebuilt by Davies Antique Motors
77/30 HP OHV 4-cylinder engine
3-speed manual transmission
Engine no. CA842
Copy of original parts list

As one of the most admired and desirable motorcycles of all time, this exquisite, meticulously restored 1928 Indian Ace Four holds a pedigree like few machines in history. In 1910, brothers Tom and William Henderson built a prototype inline 4-cylinder motorcycle impressive enough to secure funding, equip a factory in Detroit and begin manufacturing Henderson motorcycles the following year. Though the Henderson Four was not alone in the market, with competition coming primarily from Pierce, its design was robust and elegant. The inline 4-cylinder platform in and of itself was favored among many riders for its smooth operation and abundant power. Even though Henderson motorcycles came with a premium price tag, they delivered a premium experience that became synonymous with their creators.

Henderson Fours were refined and successful, but the Henderson brothers' business acumen fell far short of their engineering prowess. As a result, Henderson Motorcycles was sold to Excelsior's Ignaz Schwinn in 1917, who took the brothers and their machines under its umbrella. Once in Chicago, William Henderson failed to integrate within the new corporate structure and left within a year. He then unveiled a brand new 4-cylinder motorcycle in 1920, a machine representing the pinnacle of his engineering abilities and an opus of the platform, branded simply as the Ace. The new Ace was a triumph of design and refinement; It was well-received by enthusiasts and the press, but tragically, Henderson's life was cut short in 1923 while testing a new road model. Operations at the Ace company ceased in 1924, and the legacy of one of America’s motorcycle pioneers seemed to have come to an abrupt end.

However, in early 1927, Indian acquired Ace and began rolling out Henderson's regal motorcycles once again, changed only in name to the Indian Ace Series 401. The first Indian Ace 401 shipped in April 1927 and was painted Sage Green or Rolls Royce Blue before the signature Indian Red was offered in May. A handful of changes were introduced in the first half of 1928, like lighter alloy pistons, a lower saddle height, pressure-fed oiling and a new camshaft, among other smaller internal improvements. By August 1928, Indian redesigned its 4-cylinder more in line with its popular 101 Scout with a new chassis and bodywork, rebranding it as the Indian Four. This immaculate, early 1928 Indian Ace 401 features a 77 CI (1265cc) inline 4-cylinder engine expertly rebuilt by Davie's Antique Motors, a 3-speed gearbox, electric lights and a Corbin gear-driven speedometer. An exceptional motorcycle just as rare as it is gorgeous, this expertly restored 1928 Indian Ace stands as a testament to the genius of the Henderson Brothers and embodies the best that motorcycling has ever had to offer.

[steverobinett]

That equates to a fine peace of jewelry, you don't just throw your leg over the seat and give it a kick.
You pull this bike up between your legs while grasping the handle bars firmly as if to say I've been waiting for this for a long time.
You now make the proper preparations to start the engine, once started you let it warm up, slowly, be patient at this point bring her up to temperature, now with a firm but gentle thrust engage first gear, power up, release the clutch and now enjoy the best ride of your life.
Love the ride, live the ride.
Life is a ride, so grab on with both hands and ride hard !
That's a damn nice bike!

[brianCuda]

That is such a great looking bike, saw this live! Great job Jimmy:)