Chieftain: A supreme ruler of a clan or tribe.
This name is a symbol of great power and strength, and is arguably one of the greatest names for a motor vehicle, along with Mustang (Ford), Spitfire (Triumph), Hurricane(Armstrong Siddeley), Riviera (Buick), Barracuda (Plymouth), Jaguar, and Tiger (Sunbeam).
Here are the 5 vehicles in question:
- Albion Chieftain
Built by Scotland’s best known contribution to the motor industry, the Chieftain was one of Albion’s top selling models, and was available with a 6 speed gearbox, the 6th gear being overdrive. This particular model is a PF107L 6×4 flatbed unit.
2. FV4201 Chieftain
One of the most popular tanks of its kind, the FV4201 was, in the 1960s and ’70s, the United Kingdom’s main battle tank, and, during it’s 1966 introduction, has been described as the “most formidable main battle tank in the world”. It’s main armament, a L11A5 120 millimetre rifled turret, was the most powerful of any main armament of all the tanks that have been constructed. Engine-wise, it is powered by a 19 litre, 6-cylinder, two-stroke, multifuel, Leyland L60, delivering 750 horsepower. Used in the past, still being used today.
3. Indian Chieftain
One of the most radically styled and striking motorcycles of it’s kind, the Chieftain is a true representative of the company’s reputation as a maker of fast, dependable, rugged, reliable, high quality motorcycles. Acquired by Polaris Industries in 2011, the Chieftain was then a new face in the motorcycle industry, along with the base model Chief Classic, and mid range model Chief Vintage. The Chieftain of course was the flagship of the entire range. One of the key elements to the Chieftain’s appeal is its engine: a 111 cubic-inch, air-cooled Thunder Stroke V-twin, which has been designed to imitate Indian motorcycle engines of yesteryear, externally. A very beautiful engine. Sounds good too. The Chieftain is arguably the best touring motorcycle on the market today.
4. Pontiac Chieftain
Pontiac: A name that has plunged into the divides of the history books and long gone. But that doesn’t mean it’s forgotten, as people still remember it. Well, I certainly do. Anyway, the Chieftain. Originally launched in 1949 as Pontiac’s then new base model of the range, the Chieftain came with a choice of two six-cylinder and two eight-cylinder motors, the most powerful of which was a 248.9 cubic-inch L-head 8-cylinder making 106 horsepower. I said it was the most powerful of those engines, not the most powerful. This particular Poncho is a 1951 Deluxe Eight Catalina Hardtop Coupe, my personal favourite of all the Chieftains, chiefly (get it? Chiefly?) due to the styling, of which is typical of this era in the American auto industry. Quite distinguished, wouldn’t you say?
5. Ransomes, Sims & Jeffries 7nhp Traction Engine “Chieftain”
Founded by brass and iron-founder Robert Ransome in the county town of Ipswich, Suffolk in 1884, Ransomes, Sims and Jefferies was one of the UK’s major manufacturers of traction engines and agricultural machinery and equipment. This example is a 7nhp general purpose engine from 1903, No. 15278, named “Chieftain”, and is arguably the best representative of the company.