THE LITTLE PRINCE
During the early 1920s, the use of motorcycles as daily transport created unprecedented public demand for a modestly priced, introductory-level model that was more user-friendly than were the large, formidable V-twins being produced in America at the time. Consequently, Indian introduced a new light and agile model in 1925 known as the Prince. Brightly painted with generous dollops of nickel, the 21-cubic-inch (350cc) side-valve-engine-powered machine suited the burgeoning home market and well-established British and Continental agents. Billy Wells, the British importer, reportedly sold several hundred in the first few months of that year.

This immaculate example was purchased New Zealand-new as a standard model (less lightning equipment) by Sam Fraser from Davies and Prentice Limited, Invercargill, in 1925. Sam sold the Prince on to Mr Prentice (no relation to the original agents) in 1938. Mr Prentice owned the machine for 70 years, which is a reflection on both man and machine.

It is restored to a very high standard and an indication of the relatively little use this virtual two-owner motorcycle has had can be seen in the seat cover, which Mr Prentice assures the current owner is the original from new. Also thoughtfully linked with its original finish is the top steering head lever and under-tank hand air pump fittings, which have the original nickel-plate finish still in good shape and without spanner damage after 85 years. This is certainly a machine that has been well loved over the years and here is a rare opportunity to acquire one of the lesser-known but highly successful Indian designs of the mid-1920s.