The Indian

A one only, original design of an all steel, aluminum, and brass creation. 

In the late 50’s by one of the major movie studios, this automobile, dubbed “The Indian,” was conceived, designed, and built for use in a film about the Rudolph Valentino story.  

The theme behind the design of this car was to capture the mood of the period of the decadent, the Babylon, the very opulent days of Hollywood in the late 20’s. 

To assure the finished car was of the highest quality, only the finest craftsman were sought out and commissioned. 

The “Indian” body, frame, and appointments are all “handcrafted” utilizing only steel, aluminum, and brass. There are four types of exotic woods used in the elegant, hand carved instrument panel which was specially shaped to cant the instruments towards the driver. Liberal use of these rare woods was incorporated into the running boards and custom all wood and leather strapped trunk. 

You may notice the “art work” etched on the glass wind wings very elegantly depicting one of the maidens from Valentino’s “days of the Sheik”.

Another interesting side note is that this car has never been registered; as a collector I have always felt that this added to its provenance. Today as it was then, the car is 100 percent operational with all of the normal functioning systems.     

Since its completion nearly fifty years ago, amazingly this beautiful and elegant car still is in its original condition and has never been on display or professionally shown! Its current cosmetic condition is exactly as seen in the accompanying photographs.

Remember, this car is a one-only in the world and hand constructed of all steel, brass, aluminum and wood! This car and its lines are far more beautiful and flowing than any of the accompanying photographs show!