Chrysler Valiant Charger

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Main article: Chrysler Valiant

The Valiant Charger was a short wheelbase Valiant coupe produced by Chrysler Australia from 1971, introduced with the VH model, through the 1973 VJ, VK up to CL range released in 1976 (770 model only). The best sales were in New Zealand, where they were also assembled, where the combination of the powerful engine, light body and short wheelbase were suited to New Zealand's winding and mountainous roads.

Valiant Charger Advertisement

The Valiant Charger VH model won the 1971 Australian Wheels Car of the Year Award.

Some Chargers were raced in the Bathurst 500, let down by inadequate brakes. In New Zealand, however, they proved to be virtually unbeatable from 1971-1979 at the famous B&H 500 mile (later 1000km) series at Pukekohe Park Raceway. The most successful drivers were Leo Leonard and Jim Little, who still races his Valiants (mostly pre-65 class).

Engines were:

VH, VJ VK and CL - 215 ci, 245 ci and 265 ci Chrysler Australia Hemi 6
VH & VJ - 318 ci, 340 ci and 360 ci versions of the V8 Chrysler LA engine
VK & CL 318 ci and 360 ci versions of the V8 Chrysler LA engine

The Valiant Charger VH performance variants, known as the RT Chargers, were:

VH model
- Charger R/T E37 (Street version of the 6 pack engine).
- Charger R/T E38 (Small and big tank track pack options)
- Charger R/T E48 (Street version of the 6 pack engine).
- Charger R/T E49 (Small and big tank track pack options)
- Charger S/E E55 (340 cubic inch for power to match the SE level of trim and comfort Chrysler LA engine)

The 1972 SE E55 340 V8 Valiant Charger

The Valiant Charger VJ performance variants, were:

VJ model (R/T nomenclature dropped) were:
- Charger E48
- Charger E49
- Charger 770 E55

Performance options

VH Charger R/T and available on VJ - lower ratio differential; six-inch rims; front anti-roll bar; a tachometer and an oil pressure gauge.
- "Six-pack" 265 ci engine with three two-barrel Weber carburetors
- E38 - higher compression ratio, different gear ratios, and 280 hp
- E49 - four-speed manual gearbox, 302 hp. Fully blueprinted engine ready to race.
- Charger S/E and 770 E55 - 340 ci. V8