Chrysler Valiant
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The Chrysler Valiant was a compact car introduced by Chrysler Australia in 1962 with production ceasing in 1981. Initially a rebadged import of the Plymouth Valiant from the U.S. where production ceased in 1976, the Valiant range was sold throughout Australia and New Zealand, as well as South Africa.
The R and S models, and Valiant Charger have cult status in Australia (with clubs in every state) and New Zealand.
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[edit] From fully imported to local design
The first model was the R Series (model RV-1), which was imported in small numbers in 1962. This was quickly replaced by the S Series (SV-1). These models both had Slant-6 225 in³ (3.7 L) engines, and were available with a pushbutton-operated TorqueFlite automatic or 3-speed manual transmission (floor-shifted on the R, column-shifted on the S). Both the R and the S used the instrument binnacle from the US 1961 Plymouth Valiant.
Buoyed by early sales success, Chrysler Australia continued to produce Valiants in Australia generally following the development of the American Valiant through the 1960s with mild facelifts of American models. Models were increasingly localised and grew more Australian. Chrysler Australia had become increasingly dissatified with the American car's styling direction, which was becoming more box-like leading to the all-Australian VH Valiant series, released in 1971 and given periodic cosmetic updates until the demise of the Valiant range after 1981.
Between 1975 and 1978 the French Simca/Talbot 180 was also imported and sold as the Valiant Centura. In addition to the original imported 2 litre 4 cylinder French engine it was available with the Australian made 3.5 litre and 4.0 litre hemi six.
[edit] Australian designed models
The VH model included the short wheelbase Valiant Charger coupe, the Hemi 6 (some versions producing up to 225 kW/302 hp) proved to be an initial success story, and for a time proved to be the fastest-accelerating car built in Australia (for the next 27 years, infact). Its best sales, however, were noticeably in New Zealand, where the car was assembled locally by Todd Motors. The combination of the powerful engine, lighter body and shorter wheelbase were more suited to New Zealand's windy and more mountainous roads. Other motors used included 318 ci, 340 ci and 360ci wersions of the V8 Chrysler LA engines, (the 340 ci was only used in the Charger). The Valiant Charger VH model won the 1971 Wheels Car of the Year Award. The Valiant Charger muscle cars were:
- VH model: R/T E37, E38, E49 (six cylinder), S/E E55 (340 cubic inch V8)
- VJ model: R/T E48 & E49 & 770 E55.
Additionally to the short- and medium-wheelbase (respectively coupé and sedan) were two long wheelbase derivatives. The sedan, called the Chrysler by Chrysler with the coupé known as the Chrysler Hardtop. The Australian models featured swoopier bodywork than their American counterparts. The Hardtop was available as a VH Hardtop, with regular VH sheetmetal, or the CH with front and rear from the Chrysler by Chrysler. The Hardtop ceased after the VJ series. To this day, it holds the record for the longest boot ever in and Australian Built car.
As it was, Chrysler was not very consistent with the use of its own name. As with the United States in 1959, Valiant was considered a separate marque by Chrysler Australia, and the first 1970s Mitsubishi Galants, and Lancers sold in Australia were badged as Valiant Galants.
The VJ series Valiant, with some revisions, débuted in 1973. The VK was launched in 1975. The CL took over in 1976, with a more formal grille. A panel van version (including a sports version called the Drifter) was added in this model series, and the long-wheelbase models were dropped. The Charger was cancelled after 1978. The late-1970s models were not known for good build quality.
While the styling of this model was updated, the bumper tooling was a retrograde step, being the same bumper pressings as the 1969 VF model. The lightly facelifted CM was released in 1979. Production ended in 1981.
[edit] Mitsubishi Motors Australia Limited
Mitsubishi Motors Australia Limited, which took over Chrysler's Australian operations, did not renew the Valiant, although there had been some development work in Detroit on project 'CM-41', a boxier replacement reminiscent of the Dodge St. Regis and Plymouth Gran Fury of 1979, that was to have been launched in 1980.
In fact, under-bonnet (hood) compliance plates for the Valiant began to have the Mitsubishi name on them with the Chrysler name being mentioned as used 'under licence'.
However, the company failed to keep pace with arch-rivals Holden and Ford, and Valiant and Chrysler disappeared from Australia and New Zealand in 1981 after merging with Mitsubishi.
[edit] Motor sport
Some Chargers were raced in the Bathurst 500, let down by inadequate brakes (although it should be noted that they used the same brakes as the much heavier V8 falcons). In New Zealand, however, they proved to be virtually unbeatable from 1971–1979 at the famous B&H 500 mile (later 1000 km) series at Pukekohe Park Raceway. The most successful drivers were Leo Leonard and Jim Little, who still races his Valiants (mostly pre-65 class).
[edit] Australian model designations
[edit] Models
- imported (mildly altered versions of the American Valiants
- R
- S
- AP5 (AP = Australian Production)
- AP6
- VC
- VE
- VF
- VG (introduction of the Hemi 6 motor)
- Australian-designed
- VH 1971 (introduction of the Valiant Charger up to VK}
- VJ 1973
- VK 1975
- and finally the
- CL
- CM.
[edit] Body variants
Using no less than three wheelbases, the bodies available were:
short wheelbase
- 2 door coupe — Valiant Charger
standard wheelbase
- 4 door sedan
- 4 door wagon
- 2 door ute (pickup)
- 2 door panel van (CM)
long wheelbase
- 4 door extended sedan (Chrysler by Chrysler)
- 2 door hardtop
[edit] Models (In Chronological Order)
[edit] Prelude - Q Series
The first Valiant to hit Australia was the Q: a single Q was imported from the US in 1960 for evaluation, but after it was sold it was wrapped around a tree. The main problem with the Q was the difficulty in converting the American version to right-hand drive, because the slant of the engine prohibited a simple gearbox move. Soon after, the first locally produced (assembled) Valiant was released — The R Series.
[edit] R Series
After the Plymouth Valiant turned out to be a success in the United States (starting with its 1959 introduction), Chrysler created the 'R Series' — Australia's first locally-assembled Valiant (from mainly American components), which was officially unveiled by South Australia's Premier, Sir Thomas Playford, in January 1962.
The R Series Valiant was an instant success in a market where people wanted cars that were roomy enough for the whole family, but not tanks. Whilst not everyone was taken instantly by the looks, the general consensus was that the car had a "modern", almost space age quality about it.
Also impressive was the Valiant's performance — 145 bhp from the 225 Slant-6 (inline six cylinder and single barrel Carter Ball & Ball carburettor). This was a lot of power when you consider the Holdens and the Fords of the time had only 75 and 85 respectively.
Transmission was a choice of 3 speed manual (floor mounted), with a non-syncro first gear, or the 3 speed TorqueFlite automatic transmission. The auto was engaged using pushbuttons to the right of the instrument cluster, and proved to be one of the finest transmissions available. On the other side of the instrument cluster, it was possible to order a pushbutton heater unit, as well as a Moparmatic Deluxe Pushbutton Transistor Radio.
For the first time an Australian car came with an alternator instead of a generator, and instead of coil springs, the Valiant came with torsion bar suspension. Brakes were hydraulic drums, front and rear. This model also had the "Rear Deck Lid Tyre Cover Stamping", to use Chrysler-speak. This was a fake spare wheel moulding on the bootlid, but the spare wheel was actually under the floor of the boot.
The base model sold for 1299 pounds and with only 1008 "R" series Valiant’s sold in their short two month model run, they are now a very collectible automobile.
[edit] S Series
In March of 1962, Chrysler introduced the new 'S' Series Valiant. The S Series were basically a twin of the R Series with outward cosmetic changes distinguishing it at a distance. Gone was the fake wheel mould on the boot lid, replaced by a neat chromed emblem bearing the word "VALIANT". The "cat's eyes" tail lights on the 'R' were gone, and instead a more conventional round tail light lens and indicator assembly was used.
The chequered grille was now very neat looking and side chrome work was slightly changed also. The floor mounted manual shift was now on the steering column and various other minor things such as bottom ball joints were now of a design that would continue throughout the Valiant range for years.
10,009 'S' Series Valiants were sold, of which 5,496 were automatics and 4,513 were manuals.
[edit] AP5 Series
On May 30 1963, Chrysler Australia produced the first Australian manufactured Valiant (as opposed to the 'assembled' R&S Series), which was known as the AP5. Late the year before, Chrysler Australia had begun work on the new $36-million Tonsley Park facility in South Australia, where it could boost annual production to 50,000 cars.
The AP5 ("AP" represented Australian Production) was an entirely new design sharing six body panels with its US cousin, although the Slant 6 driveline was retained from the previous R & S models. Gone were the 'winged' front panels and larger grille of the previous model, which made way for a more subdued and simple flat grille treatment. The rear of the car also lost the horizontal finned rear quarter panels of the previous model, in favour of a uniformly curved bootlid and rear quarter panel setup.
With high local content and a design adapted for local conditions, this 'AP5' Valiant strengthened the brand's position in the marketplace and in November 1963 an AP5 station wagon, or "Safari" was offered. A "Regal" version was also introduced to the range as a more luxurious variant.
The base model was released with a price of 1220 pounds, 35 pounds cheaper than the previous 'S' series. There were 49,400 AP5's made.
[edit] AP6 Series
In March 1965, the new AP6 model was introduced, and it marked a number of firsts for both Chrysler and Australian cars. The AP6 was the first Australian built car to offer a V8 engine — the 273 cubic inch V8 as used in American Plymouths, which was released in August 1965. The engine developed 180 hp and pushed the Valiant to a top speed of 109 mph.
The V8 was only available as an option on Regals, which also now had a vinyl-covered roof and two-tone steering wheel. The 'pushbutton' setup of the AP5's Torqueflite automatic gearbox was gone in favour of a column mounted shift lever.
The AP6 also showcased other new Chrysler features such as self-adjusting brakes and acrylic enamel paint (at the time most advanced paint available).
The Slant 6's camshaft was also redesigned, resulting in improved torque (due to increased valve overlap and a higher lift action).
Visually, the AP6 was almost the same as the AP5. The main change was the split grille treatment which was almost a carbon copy of the 1965 Plymouth Valiant's. The AP6's 'shoulder line' also finished in a thinner tick on the front fender than the previous model.
The Standard model also featured new chrome trim which ran the length of the shoulder line and also wrapped around the edge of the bootlid. The Regal's chrome strip which ran through the centreline of the doors was largely unchanged from the previous model Regal.
The other significant moment in the AP6 story was the release of the ‘Wayfarer’ utility in November, Chrysler's first Ute!
Chrysler Australia had difficulty meeting demands with the Valiant being built at Tonsley Park at a maximum rate of 200 cars per eight hour shift. Customers had to wait up to 4 months to get their hands on a new AP6. Prices now ran from $2500 to $3650.
[edit] VC Series
The VC Valiant was introduced in March 1966 and although it was basically the same car as its predecessor the AP6 underneath, the new body with sharp, squared-off styling was clearly influenced by Chrysler in the United States. The car looked more modern, as well as longer and lower in appearance when in fact it was the same length as the AP5/AP6!
The front now had a wider and much cleaner horizontal grille while the rear was also much squarer and taillights were now vertical.
Naturally with any model change came higher equipment levels and standard features, as well as the introduction of a variety of new safety features. In late 1966 front disc brakes became optional on V8 models also.
The Valiant was again offered in sedan, station wagon (Safari) and utility versions, the latter designed and styled locally to suit Australian conditions and again badged the Wayfarer. Luxury levels were as before, the Standard (Slant-6 only) and Regal. The V8 optioned cars (273 V8) were named 'Valiant V8/Safari V8' and not Regal V8/Regal Safari V8 as most assume, although they were basically Regal trimmed and optioned.
On the export front, from 1966 onwards Chrysler Australia was responsible for providing right hand drive cars world wide (with the exception of South Africa) and the VC Valiant was the first Australian Valiant to become available in Britain, which was announced at the October 1966 London Motor Show. The models available were given British names (the Australian names are in italics).
- Medium Saloon Valiant
- Medium Safari Estate Car Valiant Safari station wagon
- Regal Highline Saloon Automatic Valiant Regal
- Regal Highline Safari Valiant Regal Safari station wagon
- Premium V8 Saloon Valiant V8
- Premium Safari Estate Car Valiant Safari V8 station wagon
A total of 65,634 VC Valiants were built.
[edit] VE Series
Introduced in October 1967, the VE Valiant was an all new design, with some sheetmetal being shared with US Plymouth Valiants and Dodge Darts. Chrysler Australia's 'squarest' body shape to date, the VE also had a longer wheelbase, was slightly larger in the body and had more interior space than its predecessor the VC. The roofline was also flattened out and the rear window was given a concave profile.
As with all previous models in the Valiant line-up, higher levels of standard equipment were included, as well as some power upgrades in the engine department. The Slant Six was retained with its 109 kW (145 bhp), but a new Slant Six with 120 kW (160 bhp) was also offered as an option (featuring a two barrel carburetor, revised camshaft and exhaust system), and the 4.4 litre V8 was also improved in various areas.
Other improvements or changes made over the previous model included the introduction of a 64 litre (14 gallon) fuel tank, shorter gear lever throw on the manual gearbox, relocation of the dipswitch from under the brake pedal to the high left of the firewall and the windscreen wipers were finally located on the engine side of the firewall — greatly reducing their noise. All models benefited from additional safety features such as dual line brakes with a tandem master cylinder, double sided safety rims, front seat belts and front power disc brakes on V8 models.
The VE range offered models in sedan, station wagon and utility versions (the latter two the American range lacked), but new for the VE model was the high specification 'VIP'. The VE VIP used the same sedan body but featured a more luxurious interior, 273 V8 motor and also shared the 3 'sergeant stripes' of the VC V8 on the rear quarter panel.
The biggest accolade awarded to the VE Valiant was 'Wheels Car Of The Year' — the first for Chrysler Australia. You can read the Wheels article here.
A total of 68,688 VE Valiants were built.
[edit] VF Series
In March of 1969, the new VF Valiant was introduced. As with the AP5/6 to VC transformation, the VF shared its middle section with the previous VE Valiant, but now featured new front and rear end styling. The main noticeable difference was the new front end with its horizontally convex grille, as opposed to the VE's concave design. In an unusual design decision, the front indicators were placed on the top leading edge of the front guards, instead of in the more traditional position of in the bumper, thus allowing the VF's front bumper to be thinner and less prominent, which inturn made the single round headlights look larger, making the front end seem more aggressive.
Standard and Regal models were once again available, but the VF range also saw the introduction of the Valiant 'Regal 770' and as before, an even more upmarket VIP model. As with previous model changes, the VF boasted even more safety features including a padded instrument panel and energy absorbing steering column.
In the motor department, a larger 318 version of the Chrysler LA engine (5.2 litre) replaced the old 273 V8 (4.4 litre) taking the V8's top speed to 109 mph (175 km/h), while the slant six's power increased to 175 hp. Transmissions available were the 3 speed manual and the ever reliable 3 speed "TorqueFlite" auto.
The most significant introduction to the VF range was the all new 2 door Valiant Hardtop — a beautifully sleek design based very closely on the US Dodge Dart. At nearly 17 feet long, this was the longest 2 door ever made in Australia. The Hardtop used the same front end treatment as the VF sedans, wagons and utilities, however from the A-pillar rearward, the car was pure Dodge Dart.
Up until now, Chrysler Australia had previously ignored the youth market by not offering any 'sports models'. This all changed however in mid 1969 when Chrysler released its own fast four-door named the PACER. A low-cost, red-hot version of its bread-and-butter Valiant sedan, The Pacer featured a high-performance six-cylinder engine and three-speed manual gearbox.
Despite a lack of exterior chrome, the VF Pacer stood out with its red and black grille, 'fake alloy' hub caps, special body striping, 'Pacer 225' decals, and choice of wild exterior colours.
The sparsely trimmed interior featured high back bucket seats, and distinctive black on white instrument dials with a dash top mounted tacho.
Although lacking the V8 grunt of its rivals the Pacer could race to almost 180 km/h and, at $2798, was a lot cheaper — $400 less than a basic GTS Monaro.
The Pacer was powered by a high-compression version of the trusty 225cu.in (3.69-litre) 'slant six'. With two-barrel carburettor, it pumped out 130 kW at 4500 rpm and an (undisclosed) bucket load of torque.
Standard stoppers were finned, servo-assisted drum brakes all round, although most buyers wisely opted for the front discs which were an option..
Underneath was Valiant's basic torsion bar suspension, lowered by 125 mm to improve handling and with a front anti-sway bar fitted. A 'Sure-Grip' limited-slip diff with either 3.23:1 or 2.92:1 ratios was optional.
Contemporary road testers were mostly full of praise for the Pacer, noting there were few cars that could match it on a performance for price basis.
Modern Motor (May, 1969) took a VF Pacer sedan to 60 mph (100 km/h) in a respectable 10.5secs, the quarter-mile in 17.5secs and topped out at 178 km/h.
In 1969, Chrysler's market share reached 13.7% and 52,944 VF Valiants were built.
[edit] VG Series
August 1970 saw the introduction of yet another facelifted version of the VE/VF bodystyle in the 'VG' Valiant. The VG's most noticeable difference was the use of square headlight lenses instead of the traditional round headlights, although it still had the indicators on the top of the leading edges of front guards (as in the previous VF). The grill had a cleaner less cluttered layout than before and the rear end also had small changes to trim and taillights, again a smaller squarer version than the previous model. Sedan, Wagon, Ute and Hardtop body styles were offered once again as well as the same luxury levels as before.
The biggest announcement to come with the VG Valiant was of the all new HEMI 6 engine. The tried and trusted Slant 6 which had been used by Chrysler for the past decade was now superseded by a new 245 cubic inch 'upright' inline 6 cylinder motor, which boasted hemispherical cylinder head chambers — hence the nickname HEMI (although in fact they were not truly hemispherical).
The name HEMI was already legendary in America with Chrysler's use of the 426 HEMI V8 (as well as classic early 331,354 and 392 HEMI V8s), so it was not hard for Chrysler Australia to convince the masses that the HEMI 6 was the way to go.
The new 4.0litre 245 HEMI 6 (with 1BBL carb) made 165 bhp and 235 lb/ft or torque.
The sporty Pacer Sedan was available again but whereas the VF Pacer was only offered with the one power output, the new VG Pacer offered 3 different versions of the new 245 HEMI engine, (although at the time Chrysler Australia didn't actually publish any output figures for the Pacers).
The standard Pacer had a 2BBL carby fed 245 Hemi which made 185 hp, but the higher performance Pacers read something like this:
Option E31 (195 hp): Two Barrel Track Pack carburettor and manifold / 3.80" Bore (250 cubic inch) / Performance Camshaft / Smaller Fan / Windage Tray
Option E34 (235 hp): Four Barrel Track Pack carburettor and manifold / Performance camshaft / 3.80" Bore (250 cubic inch) / Vibration damper / Dual plate clutch / Manual choke controls / Modified instrument cluster / Torque limiting strut / larger radiator / Smaller fan / Windage Tray / Premium main and big end bearings / Shot peened engine internals / Increased pressure capacity oil pump
Option E35 Four Barrel Street Pack carburettor and manifold / 3.80" Bore (250 cubic inch) / Performance camshaft / Heavy duty conrod bearings / Dual plate clutch / Torque limiting strut NOTE : NORMAL PACER TRANSMISSION WITH THIS OPTION
The VG series Pacers were also the first (and last) to be offered in the Hardtop body style, of which 3 were optioned with the E31 package and 3 were optioned with E35 package. No VG Pacer Hardtops were available with the E34 option.
Unfortunately due to Chrysler Australia's policy of using only locally produced components, and the fact that no local manufacturer was producing a 4 speed gearbox, the Pacer was limited to a 3 speed floor shift manual gearbox.
A total of 46,374 VG Valiants were built.
[edit] VH Series
Chrysler Australia released the VH Valiant range in June 1971. The VH was the first 'All Australian' Valiant and was a major change from the preceding VG range — with larger cars, which were styled to look even larger than they were.
The grill treatment on the new VH range was a direct design descendant from the US Mopars with the central recessed area for grille and headlights, which was surrounded by uninterrupted trim on the outer leading edge of the whole assembly. The smaller rectangular headlights from the previous VG range where also retained.
In the engine department, the in line 6 cylinder Hemi engines were once again slotted between the VH's chassis rails, but this time the news was more cubes resulting of course in more power. The new Hemi was now out to 265 cubic inches and up more than 35 hp on the old 245ci, resulting in 203 hp for standard 265 Hemis. Add to this more torque than the old motor as well and the 265 Hemi would cement its place in history, but there was even more power to come from the new Hemi, which would see it take on many different guises throughout the VH performance range.
The 318 V8 was still the standard option V8, however the Chrysler by Chrysler could also be optioned with the 5.9litre 360 V8, producing 265 hp.
On the performance front, the Pacer was once again offered for the VH range, but this time only in a 4 door. A total of 1647 Pacers were produced and apart from lively paint, menacing bonnet blackouts and striping, the new Pacer featured a higher performance version of the 265 Hemi 6 cylinder, with 218 bhp @ 4,800 rpm and 273 lb-ft @ 3,000 rpm. The Pacer could rocket down the quarter mile in 15.9 seconds, get to 100 km/h in 7.6 seconds and reach a top speed of 185 km/h.
In fact, at its release, the VH Pacer set the record for being the fastest mass-produced four-door sedan with a six-cylinder engine manufactured in Australia, a record which stood for 17 years!
But the Pacer's days as the VH performance model were numbered, because that same year saw the announcement and introduction of what was to become Chrysler Australia's most recognised new car — The Charger.
The new Charger was unlike anything that had come before and it had the Australian motoring press saying thingsa like "...the most handsome car Chrysler has ever produced, and probably the best looking car ever produced by an Australian manufacturer".
A short wheelbase, fastback coupe with an aggressive wedge-like stance, the Charger's design gave the effect of speed, even when it was standing still.
Chrysler's TV campaign for the Charger featured the young adults at whom it was targeted, waving at one as it swept by them and shouting "Hey, Charger!" — one of the more memorable TV ads of the time, it created a cliché that haunts today's owners. Charger won Wheels magazine's Car of the Year award for 1971 and was widely acclaimed by others of the motoring press, as well as the public.
This Charger came in four model guises — standard, XL, 770, or the all muscle R/T. The first of the serious track pack R/T Chargers was the E38. Despite being hampered by a three speed gearbox, it still drew comments from "Wheels" magazine like, "we achieved a time of 14.8 seconds for the quarter mile — on smoother surfaces the Charger galloped away so easily that a best of 14.5 seconds is with in reach".
The most well recognised performance Chargers were the '6 Packs'. The term '6 Pack' denoted the Triple Weber 2BBL carburettors (3x2=6) that were hung off the side of the 265 Hemi, which produced levels of power unheard of on a naturally aspirated 6 cylinder at the time.
E38 Charger versions featured a 265 Hemi which produced 280 hp while the E37 and E48 were the street "six-packs". E38 was a race ready Charger with the A84 "TrackPack", which included a 35 gallon fuel tank. The A87 "TrackPack" included all the race track goodies with the exception of the big tank for endurance racing.
Then in 1972 the E38 was superseded by the more powerful and greatly refined 4-speed E-49 Charger. This drew comments from Wheels such as "The raw quivering power is instantaneously on tap and with a ratio for every conceivable situation the Charger just storms through. It would take a Ferrari Daytona with racing driver Jackie Ickx at the wheel to stay with one". All E-49's came with the "TrackPack", and 21 also had the huge fuel tank in the option list which took up nearly all available boot space.
The E49 "six-pack" engine came with a baffled sump, tuned length headers, special shot-peened crankshaft, conrods, pistons, rings, cam, valve springs, a twin plate clutch and of course the triple 45 mm dual throat Weber carburetors. Chrysler quoted this engine as producing 302 hp which, in a 1372 kg (3000 pound) car, made for rapid acceleration.
The E49 was the ultimate Charger, with only 149 built the E49s are still widely considered today as one of the greatest Muscle Cars ever produced.
Road tests of the era recorded quarter mile times of between 14.1 and 14.5 seconds. 0-100 mph (160 km/h) in 14.1 seconds was the norm. This compares to times of between 15.2 and 15.6 for the next quickest accelerating Australian muscle car, the mighty XY GTHO Falcon.
Although the 6 Pack Chargers were the dominant players in the VH Range, there was another Charger, the 275 bhp, 340ci V8 powered E55, that came close. With only 125 units produced, this makes the E55 an extremely rare car. The E55 could reach 60 mph/100 km/h in 7.2 seconds and complete the quarter mile in 15.5 seconds — all topped off by a top speed of 122 mph!
A total of 67,800 VH Valiants were built.
[edit] CH Series
The VH model range also saw the introduction of the new luxury class vehicles, the "CH" range. The CH was a further 4 inches longer in the wheelbase than the VH Valiant (115 inches over 111 inches), with a total length of 197 inches. It received a unique quad-headlight front end and also a different rear end treatment, and had higher equipment levels.
The CH or "Chrysler by Chrysler" as it was named, was a four-door luxury model intended to compete with the Holden Statesman and the Ford Fairlane for the luxury car market in Australia.
Also released in October 1971 was a 2 door version of the CH which was called the Chrysler Hardtop, and shared the same wheelbase as the Chrysler by Chrysler, along with the front and rear end treatment. There was also a VH Valiant Hardtop, which had the same basic body as the CH Hardtop, but with the VH Valiant front and rear end.
[edit] VJ Series
May 1973 saw the introduction of the next model in the new All-Australian designed Valiant — The 'VJ'. Although essentially a facelifted version of the VH Valiant before it, the VJ's subtle changes made enough of an impact on the buying public to make it the biggest selling Valiant model of all, with 90,865 units being sold!
Externally the VJ Valiant continued on the with the new body style, however the rectangular headlights from the VG/VH series were now gone and the VJ reverted back to the classic 7 inch round headlight assemblies, and with them some slightly different front sheetmetal to accommodate the new lights. Also gone was the horizontal grille treatment of VG/VH models, and a more bold grille featuring which looked like 8 individual sections now found its place between the headlights.
The sedans received new taillights that were more horizontal with similar dimensions (but different appearance) to the Charger taillights. The Charger and wagons carried the same taillights as the VH series.
Although the physical changes were few, many other new features were introduced in the VJ Valiant range, such as electronic ignition, rustproofing and floor mounted shifters as standard features.
Chrysler added to that in July 1974 with front disc brakes, door reflectors, lockable glovebox and retractable seatbelts all as standard features.
While the VJ range still offered sedan, wagon, ute, Hardtop and of course Charger variants, there were no more 'R/T' Chargers or Pacers. The E48 6Pack Charger was still available (basically a 6pack E37 in specification) and as many as 6 VJ E49's did get produced early in the 73 model run. Interestingly the E55 chargers were still available.
In August 1974 a special run of 500 Sportsman Chargers were released. They were only available in vintage red with a thick white stripe along the lower coachline and the roof was also white. These had the red and white plaid cloth seats (very loud!) and a 265 4 speed combo to power the whole deal.
[edit] VK Series
In October 1975, the VK Valiant was released and to the untrained eye — it was almost a carbon copy of the previous VJ model. However even though the grille was the same as the VJ, the base model Ranger now had an argent version of the VJ Charger grill, the VK XL Charger had a white version, and the 770 charger has also had the argent version.
Interestingly, the VK Chargers were not called Chrysler Valiant Chargers any longer, the 'Valiant' was dropped to just leave Chrysler Charger.
Ranger, Regal and Charger all now shared the same tailight treatment. Again similar to the VJ tailights but without the chrome, they are dubbed the 'Mercedes copy' (as was the style of the time) and had contours to keep air flow away and keep lenses clean.
The VK Regal also had blinker repeaters housed in a small chrome boxes which sat on top of both front guards. Another unusual option was the Fuel Pacer option (from the Mitsubishi Sigma SE) which was basically a device which detected low vacuum (as under acceleration) and sent a signal (which would make the driver side blinker repeater light come on), basically to tell you the engine was wasting petrol.
Interior wise saw the introduction of inertial reel seatbelts, slightly different heater controls, and the VK Valiant also saw the introduction of a combination lights/wiper stalk from the Mitsubishi Galant. The Ranger also welcomed full length door trims, and carpet was now standard, the only vinyl was in the boot.
VK 6 cylinder series engines were the same as VJ's, and all 245ci Hemis now had a 2BBL carburettor, the same as the 265 Hemis.
The V8s were mainly 318ci, but the 360ci V8 remained an option across the entire range, although not very popular as the mid 70's saw the trend towards smaller cars with smaller motors.
While the '3 on the tree' column shift manual gearbox was still available, it was rarely optioned (although still popular on Utes) and the 3 speed floor change was now gone too. If you wanted manual floor change you could now option the 4 speed, which was available on all models but could only only be had with a Hemi 6 cylinder motor.
Late in the VK model run saw the release of a limited edition Charger called the White Knight Special (option A50) which sported a factory fitted front air dam. The changes were mainly cosmetic with running gear being largely stock. There were 200 White Knight Specials made — 100 in Arctic White and 100 in Amarante Red. 120 were auto and 80 were 4 speeds.
A total of 20,555 VK Valiants were produced and production ceased in June 1976. This was because ADR 27A for emission/pollution control became effective on 1/7/1976, and all the car manufacturers used that date as the introduction of a new model to specifically cater to the new standard.
 Cl charger |
===CL Series===
Mid way through 1976 the CL Valiant was introduced and it`s arrival coincided with the new stringent air pollution restrictions of ADR 27A. Although it used the same body as the previous VK range, for the first time since the VH range there were completely redesigned front and rear treaments.
The CL front end now had quad headlights and separate grill and the front guards and bonnet were also different to accommodate the new front sheetmetal. The rear end was just as different again with a boolid that had a curved leading edge that flowed down to new tailights that sandwiched an uncluttered centre garnish panel.
The base model CL was no longer called the Ranger, instead it was named the Valiant, and the long wheel based CXC was now gone and in its place was the Regal SE. The CL series also saw the last of the mighty Charger, which like the previous VK range, was now just called the Chrysler Charger, not Valiant Charger. The CL Charger was only available in one guise to the public — the Charger 770. Late in the model run a Special Edition Charger called the Drifter was introduced. There actually was an XL Charger but it was only available to police departments. The CL series also saw the arrival of the panel van body shape to compete with similar offerings from rival makers.
The interior for Valiant and Regal models carry over from the VK range, however the new interior on the Regal SE is plush, with 'buttoned' leather an option. Base Valiant continued with the previous Ranger style strip speedo, whereas the Regal dash featured recessed circular gauges and clock with a woodgrain finish. The Charger 770 dash was similar to the Regal except it had a tacho instead of a clock and was finished in black.
The 215ci Hemi and 360ci V8 were dropped for the CL range and the only engine options were the 245ci (low and high compression) and 265ci Hemi 6 cylinders and the 318ci V8.
Transmission options were either 3 speed manual (floor shift), 4 speed manual (floor shift), 3 speed auto (column shift) or 3 speed auto (floor shift) 3 speed manual [column shift] . The 3 speed auto was standard with the 318 V8 and optional with a 6 cylinder. The 4 speed was optional for either 6 cylinder or V8 models. The floor shift auto option was fitted to most Regals and all Regal SE's.
A limited edition run of 400 special Regal Le Baron models (option A17) saw a number of mechanical updates such as a larger front sway bar and reshaped rear leaf springs which resulted in an above average handling car. The Le Baron was available in Silver only with red or blue interiors, the 265 Hemi as standard or the 318 V8 as an option. With the 318 option, a special 'Electronic Lean Burn' spark control system was incorporated which was reported to give 25-30% better fuel economy under gentle driving conditions.
A sports sedan called the GLX (option A16) was also released which featured the Charger grille, Charger dash, special cloth trim, Cheviot Hotwire mag wheels and door frame black outs among other things. The GLX could be optioned with a 265ci 6 cylinder or 318ci V8.
The last special option in the CL range was the Charger Drifter (also available in panel van and utility). A $816 option, the Drifter was only available in Impact Orange, Sundance Yellow, Spinnaker White and Harvest Gold. The Charger Drifter sports bold side and rear stripes with Spinnaker White models featuring additional 'strobe stripes' on the bootlid. Engine options were again the 265 six or 318 V8, but the 4 speed manual was the only transmission option.
A total of 36,672 CL Valiants were built and this model saw the sad end of the almighty Australian Charger, never to be built again..
[edit] CM series
The CM was released in 1978, and was little changed from the CL model. Only sedan and wagon models were produced, and by the time of release it was heavily dated.
One saving grace of the car was its engines (4.0 and 4.3L Hemi 6, 5.2L Hemi V8), which utilized a computer-controlled Electronic-Lean-Burn system, giving favourable fuel economy. When Wheels Magazine performed an economy test in 1979, it was revealed that the ELB equipped Valiant 4.0L actually used less fuel than the Ford Cortina 2.0!
Production of this car continued after Chrysler Australia's Mitsubishi takeover. Mitsubishi could build the car profitably - even in small numbers - due to its high 97% level of local Australian content and already paid for tooling. However, the car was still known as "Chrysler Valiant" - not "Mitsubishi Valiant".
Valiant production ended for all time in August 1981. Australia would not see another full-size Chrysler until the 2005 release of the Chrysler 300C, a car - like the Valiant - easily a Holden and Ford competitor.
