Chrysler VC Valiant
| Chrysler VC Valiant | |
|---|---|
 VC Valiant Regal sedan | |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Chrysler Australia |
| Also called | Dodge 106 heavy duty utility [1] |
| Production | March 1966 to September 1967 [2] |
| Assembly | Tonsley Park, Australia |
| Body and chassis | |
| Body style |
4-door sedan [2] 5-door station wagon [2] 2-door coupe utility [2] |
| Layout | FR layout [2] |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine |
225 cu in (3.7 L) I6 [2] 273 cu in (4.5 L) V8 [2] |
| Transmission |
3spd manual [2] 3spd automatic [2] |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 106.0 inches (2692 mm) (sedan) [2] |
| Length | 188.3 inches (4782 mm) (sedan) [2] |
| Width | 69.0 inches (1753 mm) (sedan) [2] |
| Height | 55.0 inches (1397 mm) (sedan) [2] |
| Curb weight | 2774 lb (1258 kg) (sedan) [2] |
| Chronology | |
| Predecessor | Chrysler AP6 Valiant [2] |
| Successor | Chrysler VE Valiant [2] |
The Chrysler VC Valiant is an automobile that was produced in Australia by Chrysler Australia from 1966 to 1967.[2] It was released in March 1966, replacing the Chrysler AP6 Valiant.[2]
Model range
The VC series Valiant was offered in 4-door sedan, 5-door station wagon and 2-door coupe utility models.[2]
- Valiant 225 sedan [3]
- Valiant 225 Safari wagon [3]
- Valiant Regal sedan [3]
- Valiant Regal Safari wagon [3]
- Valiant 273 V8 sedan [3]
- Valiant 273 V8 Safari wagon [3]
- Valiant Wayfarer utility [2]
 VC Valiant sedan |
 VC Valiant Safari wagon |
.jpg) VC Valiant Regal sedan |
 VC Valiant Regal Safari wagon |
 VC Valiant Wayfarer utility |
Dodge 106 heavy duty utility
A variant of the Valiant Wayfarer utility was marketed as the Dodge 106 heavy duty utility.[1] The Dodge had a 1,500 lb load capacity,[1] as against the 1,200 lb capacity of the Wayfarer,[2] and was visually differentiated by less chrome and exterior decoration.[1]
Changes
The VC Valiant was longer and lower than any previous Australian Valiant model, but was essentially a facelift of the superseded AP6 model.[4] It featured a new grille, front bumper, bonnet and front mudguards.[2] Sedans had new rear styling with vertical taillights,[2] but wagons and utilities carried over the rear lights and panels from their AP6 predecessors.[4] The VC range displayed a greater degree of differentiation between models with the Valiant, Regal and V8 each having unique exterior decoration and trim.[5] Regal and V8 models had a chrome strip situated near the lower edge of the doors [2] and V8 models featured a vinyl roof, bucket seats and a floor mounted gearselector with full length centre console.[2] Front disc brakes were introduced as an option in November 1966.[6]
Engines and transmissions
A 225 cu in (3.7 L) Straight-six engine was fitted to all models other than the 273 V8 sedan and wagon, which were powered by a 273 cu in (4.5 L) V8 engine.[7] Base models were available with either three speed manual transmission or three speed automatic transmission, whilst Regals and 273 V8s were fitted with a three speed automatic as standard.[2]
Production and replacement
A total of 65,634 VC Valiants were built prior to its replacement by the VE Valiant range in 1967.[2]
Motorsport
Two VC Valiant V8 sedans contested the 1966 Gallaher 500 endurance race at Mount Panorama, Bathurst, finishing first and second in Class D.[8]
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 Larry O'Toole, The Good Old Aussie Ute, 2000, page 197
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 2.7 2.8 2.9 2.10 2.11 2.12 2.13 2.14 2.15 2.16 2.17 2.18 2.19 2.20 2.21 2.22 2.23 2.24 2.25 2.26 Elisabeth Tuckey and Ewan Kennedy, Chrysler Valiant, 1996
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 Sales brochure for VC series 225 Slant 6 and 273 V8 Valiants
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 Chrysler Valiant VC at www.uniquecarsandparts.com.au Retrieved on 24 May 2012
- ↑ Tony Davis, Aussie Cars, 1987, page 96
- ↑ Gavin Farmer, Great Ideas in Motion, 2010, pages 129-133
- ↑ Valiant VC Technical Specifications, www.uniquecarsandparts.com.au Retrieved on 24 May 2012
- ↑ Bill Tuckey, Australia's Greatest Motor Race, 1981, pages 114-121