This 1940 Indian Dispatch-Tow was left untouched for 20 years (!) at the back of a clean and heated warehouse at the South end of my town.
Hell yes, I bought it.
Significantly, it was owned by the Ohio Indian motorcycle enthusiast and collector Ernie Hartman, Sr. who served in World War II. But before tucking it away for 20 years of safekeeping into the future, Mr Hartman, Sr. rode this Dispatch-Tow occasionally (parades) from age 74 until he was 80, during a time when his legs were no longer safe for riding his 2-wheeled Indians. It was his last Indian ride, and, I believe, the last sold from his collection. It was his "keeper." It became available for sale after his death in his 90's.
Amazingly, it started up when pulled from storage using a fresh battery and fuel. It still runs quite well and needs just a little work to operate it safely for reasonable speeds. I am keeping its looks as it is.
There is no reason to doubt that the 45 in. Sport Scout engine (including its generator, distributor and coil) are not original to the frame (no frame number was found). There is no reason to doubt that the ammeter and switch are not originals to the dash as well - they all look quite old - they all work. The 110 MPH Corbin speedometer works and is an old original though it may date to a start of 1941 - I can not tell. Maybe it is the original. Headlamp, brake, speedometer and fender lights all work.
The tow bar is a Fulton original in working order - will clamp to a period bumper. But its date may not be 1940.
The three tires are old and a little hardened. One is a Beck (perhaps original 1940), one a Firestone (original?), and the other is Dunlop. All hold air like brand new. I have an old Beck tire to use to replace the Dunlop and place the two Becks on the rear to match.
It was just incredible to find that this rare, safe-kept Indian was sitting in my town for 20 years and didn't know it.
I'll be needing a tricycle someday.
