The Chief was introduced in 1922 as Indian's top of the range model. It was based on the Indian Scout frame but had a larger, 61 ci V Twin engine. The added power gave the chief instant appeal to consumers and was an immediate success. The larger 74 ci engine was introduced in 1923 and in 1940 the trademark full skirted guards appeared. The Chief was at its most popular between 1946 and 1948 due to the post war boom but by 1949 the factory considered it obsolete and there was no Chief that year. The Chief's absence id not last long and it was back by popular demand in 1950 although production finally ceased in 1953.