The Chrysler Valiant is a full-size car sold by Chrysler Australia between 1962 and 1981. Originally Plymouth Plymouth locally assembled was assembled from the United States, from the second generation that was launched in 1963, Valiant was wholly manufactured in Australia. It is sold locally but also in New Zealand and South Africa, with smaller quantities also being exported to Southeast Asia and the UK.
The parent company Chrysler invested heavily in Australian manufacturing facilities, by setting up operations in South Australia with an assembly plant at Tonsley Park in 1964 and machining at Lonsdale in 1968. Thus Valiant set his position as the third of the "Big 3". "Australian-made vehicles behind Holden Kingswood and Ford Falcon.
The Australian Valiant is built on the North American A-body platform but with many parts and components from Australian suppliers. Regardless of the sedan and wagon body styles, 1965 saw the introduction of commercial utilities lining Wayfarer and then exported to South Africa as Rustler . In September 1969 a two-door hardtop was released and in 1971 Charger.
Greater differentiation of donor cars is creeping up over time, especially since the VE series, embraced by the Australian automotive press and awarded the 1967 Car Cars of Wheels. The VF 1969 and VG series of 1970 went further than North American donors, both in terms of style and performance - with the latest series introducing the Hemi-6 machine that replaced Slant-6 . In addition, Australia continues to produce a station wagon model, called Safari , even after this body style was stopped for North America.
Beginning in 1971, the VH series saw Chrysler Australia develop the entire lineup locally until the 1979 CM series, which marked the end of local production in 1981, following the takeover of operations by Mitsubishi Motors Australia.
Video Chrysler Valiant
First generation
RV1 (R Series)
After Plymouth Valiant turned into a success in the United States (beginning with the introduction of 1959), Chrysler released the first locally made Valiant in Australia, RV1 (R-series). It was officially inaugurated by South Australian Premier, Sir Thomas Playford, in January 1962 and assembled at the Chrysler Mile End facility.
The Valiant RV1 (or R Series) is an instant success. Not everyone is instantly carried by car styling, but the general consensus is that the car has an almost modern age quality about it.
Also notable is the Valiant performance with 145 brake horsepower (108 kW) from the Slot-6 machine . This is a lot of power compared to competing Holdens and Fords, which offer only 75 bhp (56 kW) and 90 bhp (67 kW) SAE respectively.
The standard transmission in RV1 is a three-speed manual shifted with the first non-synchronized gear. The three-speed torqueFlite operated with the pushbutton is optional. Other options include a demister-heating unit, as well as a deluxe pushbutton radio "Moparmatic" transistor.
The Valiant RV1 is the first Australian car to come with an alternator instead of a generator, and instead of a spring, the Valiant comes with a torque rod suspension. The brakes are hydraulic 9 in (230 mm) front and back drums. RV1 has a simulated backup wheel line on the bootlid, but the backup wheel is actually under the boot floor.
The basic model sells for £ 1299.
SV1 (S Series)
In March 1962, Chrysler replaced the 1961 American Ralier model with the 1962 American Vivalant SV1 (S Series). The SV1 uses the same shell as RV1, with cosmetic changes including the simulated boot-down boot of the bootlid, and taillights that replaced the model R-model cat-shaped eyes. There is a revised grille radiator and a new exterior trim.
Mechanical changes include manual shifter transmission relocation to steering column, new ball connection, and new gear reducer starter.
10,009 SV1 Valiants sold, of which 5,496 were automatic pistols and 4,513 were manuals.
Maps Chrysler Valiant
Second generation
AP5 Series
On May 30, 1963, Chrysler Australia produced the first fully Australian-made Valiant, which AP5 . In February of that year, Chrysler Australia has begun working on a new $ 36 million Tonsley Park facility in South Australia, where it can increase annual output by up to 50,000 cars. The new factory produced the first Valiant on March 31, 1964.
The AP5 ("AP" for Australian Production ) is an entirely new design with only four doors, a windshield, and a front guard along with a North American partner. The early cars maintained a left-handed wiper pattern but this soon turned into a RHD layout. Driveline Slant-6 is maintained, but the AP5 is much easier in styling than the R- and S-model models. With high local content and specifications optimized for local conditions, the new Valiant reinforces brand positioning in the marketplace. New top-level Regal versions are included in the range. In November 1963 an AP5 station wagon Safari was released. Total production range of AP5 is 49,440 vehicles.
AP6 Series
In March 1965, AP5 was replaced by AP6 . The shell is the same, but there is a new grille with the theme of Plymouth Barracuda North America in 1964, and there are new trims inside and out. Automatic transmission is no longer controlled by pushbuttons, but by conventional shift levers. AP6 also includes other new features such as self-adjustable brakes and acrylic enamel paints, when the most advanced automated finish is available. The AP6 model range includes Valiant Wayfarer , the first Valiant-based coupe utility built by Chrysler Australia.
AP6 is the first Australian-made Valiant to be offered with a V8 engine - 273 cu at (4.47Ã, L) LA V8, introduced at American Valiants in 1964, and released in Australia in August 1965. The engine develops 180 horsepower brakes (130 kW ) and propelled Valiant to a top speed of 109 mph (175 km/h).
The V8 is only available as a model in its own right, V8 Valiant, which has a covered vinyl roof, individual bucket seats, console floor mounted automatic shift lever and two-tone steering wheel.
Camshaft Slant-6 ' is also slightly upgraded to increase torque thanks to increased duration and lift.
Chrysler Australia has difficulty meeting demand, with Valiant being built at Tonsley Park with a maximum rate of 200 cars per eighth shift. Customers must wait up to four months for new AP6 shipments. Prices start from $ 2,500 to $ 3,650.
VC Series
VC Valiant was introduced in March 1966 and, although underneath it is essentially the same car as the previous AP6 Series, the body is extensively restored giving the illusion of being longer and lower.
The new modern design is highlighted by the sharp, edges and square corners that are clearly influenced by Chrysler in the United States. The front now has a wide horizontal grille while the rear is also more upright with vertical rear lights.
Various models consist of the Valiant standard or Regal sedan, standard or Regal Safari outlet and Wayfarer utility. They feature higher levels of standard equipment as well as new safety features, such as an optional disc brake on the V8 model, which is named 'Valiant V8/Safari V8' and is basically a Regal model.
The VC series is built both for its main market, Australia, but also for exports to the UK, as announced in October 1966 London Motor Show, based on the following range of unique models (parentheses showing the equivalent Australian nameplate):
- Medium Saloon (Valiant equivalent)
- Medium Safari Estate Car (Valiant Safari wagon equivalent)
- Regal Highline Saloon Automatic (Valiant Regal equivalent)
- Safari Highline Regal (equivalent of Valiant Safari Regal wagon)
- Premium V8 Saloon (V8 V8 V8)
- Safari Estate Premium Car (Valiant Safari V8 equivalent)
In total, Chrysler Australia built 65,634 VC Series models.
Third generation
Series VE
The Valiant is an all-new design that was introduced in October 1967, based on the North American platform, which has a 108-inch (2,700 mm) wheelbase. Bonnet and the guards were allotted with the new 1967 Dodge Dart of North America, with another style cue inherited from Valiant North America. This car has a slightly larger body dimensions and interior space larger than the previous VC Series. Roof lines are also flattened and the rear window is given a concave profile.
Higher standard equipment levels are displayed and two engine options become available. The base of Slant-6 was maintained with a 145 bph (108 kW) rating, but a new 2-barrel carburetor version was released with an output of 160 bph (120 kW). The 273 V8 is also improved and available throughout the Valiant range.
Other upgrades include the introduction of a larger 64-liter fuel tank (14 Â °, 17 Â ° C), shorter gear latches in manual gearboxes, relocations dipswitched from underneath the brake pedal to the left of the firewall height, and the windshield wipers motors are transferred to side of the firewall machine - greatly reducing the eraser glass noise. All models benefit from additional safety features (some mandatory under the new Australian Design Rule, or ADR) such as dual-track brakes with tandem master cylinders, two-sided safety rims, front seatbelts and front power disc brakes on V8 models.
The VE range consists of Valiant & amp; Valiant Regal Sedan, Valiant Safari & amp; Valiant Regal Safari station wagon and Valiant, Valiant Wayfarer & amp; Dodge utilities, the latter is a lower version of the Valiant utility. New to the VE model is a high specification Valiant V.I.P. in the sedan version and Safari wagon. It uses the same body as the lower Valiant, but features a more luxurious interior, 273 V8 engine, and also shares the 3 'sergeant lines' of the VC V8 on the rear quarter panels.
The biggest award for VE Valiant was Car Wheel of the Year in 1967 - the first for Chrysler Australia.
68688 VE Valiants built.
VF Series
In March 1969, VE was replaced by the VF model. This new car shares the middle with VE Valiant before, but there is a new front and rear styling. The new front features a convex horizontal grille, replacing the concave VE design. The front indicator is placed on the front edge of the front protector rather than in a more conventional location on the front grille or bumper. This allows the VF front bumper to be thinner and less prominent, which makes the round headlights look bigger, and the front end looks more aggressive as a result.
The Valiant and Valiant Regal models are once again available, and the VF range also sees the introduction of Valiant Regal 770 and improved VIP models. VIP VF was introduced two months after the Valiant range and no longer Valiant V.I.P. but is now marketed as Chrysler VIP , only in the form of a sedan. It offers an outstretched wheelbase (112 inches or 2,800 millimeters), with a back door longer than Valiant. Like previous model changes, VF boasts more security features including stacked instrument panels and steering column energy.
The larger 5.2 VL (318 cuÃ, in) version of LA V8 replaces the 273, taking the top speed of V8 to 109 mph (175 km/h). The choice of transmission remains the same: TorqueFlite manual three speed or three speed automatic.
The most significant introduction to the VF range is the new two-door hardtop Valiant - essentially, a North American Dodge Dart coupe with an Australian Catridge front and interior trim. More than 5,000 mm (200 inches), this is the longest coupe ever made in Australia. Released six months after the other VF Valiants in September 1969, it was available in Valiant, Valiant Regal and Valiant Regal 770 models.
In mid-1969, Chrysler released four rapid doors named Valiant Pacer . Inexpensive versions of the bread-and-butter-rich Valiant sedan, Pacer features a high-performance six-cylinder engine and a three-speed manual gearbox with floor shifter. Although there is no exterior chrome, the VF Pacer stands out with red and black grille, simulated hub wheel hats, special body strips, 'Pacer 225' stickers, and a choice of "Wild Blue", "Wild Red" or "Yellow Yellow". The rarely trimmed interior features a high rear bucket seat, and a distinctive black on a white instrument disc with a tachometer mounted over the dashboard. Despite not having its rival V8, Pacer can reach nearly 180 km/h (112 mph) and, at $ 2798, is $ 400 cheaper than the Garo Monaro base. The Pacer is supported by a special version of 225 Slant-6 that is trusted. With a two-barrel carburetor, high flow exhaust system, and a compression ratio of 9.3: 1, yields 175 bhp (130 kW). Standard brakes are littered, brake servo-assisted drums are all round, although most buyers opt for optional front discs. Underneath is a Valiant torque rod suspension, downgraded by 125 mm (5 inches) to improve handling and with a front anti-shake bar mounted. A finite slip of 'Sure-Grip' with a ratio of 3.23: 1 or 2.92: 1 is optional.
Contemporary road testers are mostly full of praise for Pacer, noting there are some cars that can match it on performance for a base price. Modern Motor (May, 1969) took a VF Pacer sedan up to 60 mph (97 km/h) in 10.5 seconds, 1 / 4 mile (400 m) in 17.5 seconds and ends at 111 mph (179 km/h).
In 1969, Chrysler's market share reached 13.7%. In total, 52,944 VF Valiants were built.
VG Series
August 1970 saw the introduction of another facelift version of VE/VF bodystyle in Valiant VG . The most striking difference in VGs is the use of rectangular headlights instead of traditional ones (except on VIP models, which use quad lap headlights). The location of the guard-top indicator is carried from VF. The grid is a horizontal object, one-plane, and taillamps revised and wrapped to the side of the body. Body style Sedan, Wagon, Ute and Hardtop are offered once again as well as the same level of luxury as before.
The biggest announcement that comes with VG Valiant is all the new Hemi-6 machines, replacing Slant-6 . The new engine was introduced as a 245Ã, Â ° c deep (4.0Ã, L) unit with a quasi-hemispherical combustion chamber. The name " Hemi " is already legendary in America with Chrysler's use of Hemi V8 , then Chrysler Australia's marketing leverage for its 6-cylinder offering. The 1-barreled version of 245 produces 165 bhp (123 kW) and 235 lbf ft (319 N m).
The Pacer sporty sedan is available again, but while the VF Pacer is offered with only one power output, the new VG Pacer offers 3 different versions of the new Hemi-6 engine, although Chrysler Australia does not publish the power output figures anything for pacers. The standard pacer has a 2-barrel carburetor and produces 185 bhp (138 kW). The E31 option produces 195 bhp (145 kW) and includes a two-barrel carburetor, a higher-performance camshaft, a smaller fan, and a windage tray. The E34 option produces 235 bhp (175 kW) and includes a 4-barrel carburetor, high-performance camshaft, double plate clutch, manual choke, modified instrument cluster, torque-limiting engine, buffer, larger radiator , smaller fan, windage tray, premium engine bearing, fired crankshaft and connecting rod, and high capacity oil pump. The E35 option includes a 4-barrel carburetor, high performance camshaft, heavy duty engine bearings, double plate clutch, buffer-limiting torque converter, and ordinary Pacer-spec transmission.
The VG Pacers series are also the first and last offered in the Hardtop body style, three of which are selected with the E31 package and three options with the E35 package. No VG Pacer hardtop available with E34 option. Because Chrysler Australia's policy (local content law/government law) uses only locally produced components, and the unavailability of a local four-speed gearbox, Pacer is offered only with a three-speed manual transmission speed.
A total of 46,374 VG Valiants were built.
Fourth generation
VH Series
Chrysler released VH Valiant in June 1971. VH is the first fully-designed Valiant of Australia and was a major change from the previous VG range - this is a larger car, which is laid out to look larger than them. Grille treatment in the new VH range is a direct design derived from US Mopars with a central hidden area for grille and headlamps, surrounded by unbroken trim on the outer front edge of the entire assembly. The rectangular headlights are carried from the VG model.
The Valiant VH model range is wide enough, starting with the new entry-level Valiant Ranger, and continues into Valiant Ranger XL, Valiant Pacer, Valiant Regal, and Valiant Regal 770.
Brought from the VG range, the 245A300 base machine is standard equipment for Rangers XL and Regal, but the new 265d (4.3A version) offers 203 bhp (151 kW) and is the standard equipment for Regal 770. Fireball <318 The V8 is still an option, but only available on the Regal 770 sedan. The basic Ranger sedan features a new low-end compression Hemi-6 215ci which is operated on Standard gasoline. This machine is not available on other sedans in the VH range.
Unlike VG, Valiant Pacer is now only available in 4-door sedan. In addition to vibrant paint colors, optional bonnet breaks and striping, the new Pacer features a higher performance version of the 265ci engine, with 218 bps (163 kW) at 4,800 rpm and 273 lbf ft (370 N) at 3,000 rpm. The Pacer can run a quarter of a mile in 15.9 seconds, reaching 100 km/h in 7.6 seconds and reaching a top speed of 185 km/h.
In fact, in its release, VH Valiant Pacer set the record for being the largest mass-produced four-door sedan with a six-cylinder engine manufactured in Australia, a record that lasted 17 years.
Pacer's days as a performance model of VH are numbered, because in the same year saw the announcement and introduction of what became Chrysler Australia's most famous new car - Valiant Filler. In total, only 1,647 VH Valiant Pacer sedans are manufactured.
The new Valiant charger is unlike anything it has ever been before and there is an Australian automotive press that calls it, "... the most handsome car Chrysler ever produced, and probably the most handsome car ever produced by an Australian manufacturer." A short-wheelbase, fastback coupe with an aggressive wedge-like attitude, Charger design gives a speed effect, even when it's silent.
Chrysler's Chargerler TV campaign to show targeted adults, waving at one point as they swept them and shouted, "Hey, Charger!" - one of the more memorable TV commercials of the day, creating a cliche that haunts the owners of today. Charger won the Car of the Year award for Wheels magazine for 1971 and is widely recognized by others in the automotive press, as well as the public.
The Valiant Charger comes with four pseudo models, very close to the existing sedan range - Charger, Charger XL, Charger 770, and Charger R/T. The first of the serious "R/T Chargers" track tracks has the E38 option. Despite being hampered by a three-speed gearbox, it still attracts good comments from Wheels : "We reached 14.8 seconds for a quarter of a mile - on a smoother surface. Chargers ran so easily that the best in 14.5 seconds are within reach ". Being a three speed gearbox, this quarter-mile walk takes only one gear change.
The most recognizable performance charger is the Six Pack car. The term six pack represents the triple side-draft Weber 2BBL carburetor with the 265 Hemi-6 engine - in the E37 option, the E38 option, and the last E49-level power produced option was heard on six cylinders that were naturally aspirated at the time. All three carburetors were also made for special throat tones when under acceleration.
The E38 version of the R/T Charger features 265 Hemi-6 which produces 280 bph (209 kW) while E37 is the tune option available on Charger 770 and R/T Charger. E38 is Charger R/T which is ready to use with an additional Track Track A84 option, which includes a 35-imperial-gallon (160 liter) fuel tank. There is also the Track A87 Track option that includes all the racing tracks, but for larger fuel tanks.
In mid 1972, the E38 option was replaced by a stronger and more refined four-speed E49 transmission option. This draws comments from Wheels like, "The instant crude milling power is on tap and with the ratio for every situation that allows the Charger to break through the storm.There needs to be a Ferrari Daytona with Jackie Ickx racer on wheels to stay with one". All E49s come with the Track Package, 21 of which feature large fuel tanks with dual fillers. The E49 six pack machine is equipped with baffled meatballs, tuned length headers, special shot-peen crankshaft, connecting rods, pistons, rings, cam, valve springs, twin plate couplings, and of course double triple Weber carburettors. Chrysler cites this engine as producing 302 bhp (225 kW) which, in a car of 1,372 kg (3,025 lb), is made for rapid acceleration.
The R/T E49 is the final Valiant Filler, and with only 149 builds the E49s is still widely considered today as one of Australia's largest "muscle" cars ever produced. The road test in this era recorded a quarter-mile time between 14.1 and 14.5 seconds. 0 to 100 mph (161 km/h) in 14.1 seconds is the norm. This is comparable to the 14.6 times for Australia's next fastest muscle car, the Ford XY Falcon GT-HO (Phase III).
Although Six Pack Chargers are the dominant performer performers in the VH range, there are other Chargers, 275 bph (205 kW), 340 cu at (5.6Ã, L) V8 powered E55, which comes close. The E55 option was applied to the new Charger 770 SE in August 1972, and the car could reach 60 mph (97 m/h) in 7.2 seconds and complete quarter of a mile in 15.5 seconds - all topped off by a top speed of 122 mph (196 km/hour).
A number of several hundred VH Charger 770 318 V8 are exported to Japan along with the CH sedan. The filler has a CH-like nose with a VH metal sheet that surrounds four headlights and a grille, a combination made by New Zealand assembler Todd Motors to create a unique VJ Valiant Regal 770 series. Japanese cars also have air-conditioning, separate side-marking lights and white backlights and mirrors in accordance with Japanese market regulations.
Overall, Chrysler Australia produces 67,800 VH Valiant cars.
New Zealand distributor Todd Motors has been collecting the Valiant sedan from CKD devices since AP5, mostly following the Australian product line even with fewer variants and engine options plus local coatings. For VH, it's a bit more adventurous, unveiling the unique XZ-Range XL sedan as the basic model with a twelve carburetor version of the 245ci Hemi-6 engine, no trim surround light or door window brightwork , unique seats and upholstery, and manual or automatic column-shift transmissions. Regal 770 has a 265ci Hemi-6 , a console floor-console floor lifter, fast speed with wood trim as a replacement for the speedo strip and unique front and trim front seats. The 318ci V8 is optional and the vinyl roof is standard but can be removed to order. The only local Todd Charger model also for the '770' is trimmed with 265i Hemi-6 six and three-speed floor car shifts and has no bumper override standards in Australia. The initial journey has a one-piece front door glass and hinged rear side windows but, due to problems with water leakage and excessive wind noise, this soon turns to open the headlights and the rear-side glass remains. Wagons imported from Australia, to Australian specifications.
CH Series
The VH model range also sees the introduction of new luxury class vehicles, the range CH . CH is 4 inches longer (100 mm) longer in wheelbase than the Valiant-115 VH in (2,900 mm) - with a total length of 197 at (5,000 mm). It features quad lap headlights and different rear treatment, and has a quieter suspension and higher equipment levels.
CH (or "Chrysler by Chrysler", as it is commonly called) is a four-door luxury model intended to compete with Ford's Fairlane and Holden Statesman models in the luxury car market in Australia.
Also released in October 1971 was a two-door version of CH called the Chrysler Hardtop, and shared the same wheelbase as a four-door Chrysler, along with front and rear maintenance.
VJ Series
May 1973 saw the introduction of the next model in the newly designed All-Australian Valiant - The VJ . Although essentially a facelift version of VH Valiant before, VJ's subtle changes had enough impact on the buyer community to make it the largest Chrysler Valiant sales model, with 90,865 units sold.
External VJ Valiant continues with the VH series body style, although the VJ returns to single 7 "round headlamps and a new 8-segment grille.VJ sedan also receives new horizontal rear lights.Although slight physical changes, many other new features are introduced in VJ Valiant , such as electronic ignition, anti-rust and shifter mounted on the floor as a standard feature. Chrysler increased equipment levels in July 1974 with front disc brakes, door reflectors, lockable glovebox and retractable safety belts all as standard features.
While the VJ range still offers variants of the sedan, wagon, ute, hardtop and coupe, the performance-oriented Pacer sedan and Charger R/T coupes have been removed from the new range. However, a variation of the E37 Six Pack (now with a four-speed manual transmission) engine is available, in the form of the E48 option, with most cars using this option ending up as the base model of the VJ Charger coupe. Interestingly, the four VJ Charger coupe is built by a special order featuring the VH series option engine E49. The other carry-over performance variant is the E55 option, with the option of a 340ci V8 engine that is officially limited to only the Charger 770 coupe app.
In August 1974, a special series of 500 Sportsman coupes was released, based on the XL Charger model. They are only available in Vintage Red with white body accents. These cars also have a unique white interior with plaid seat chairs and featuring a standard 265 engine with a choice of manual or automatic transmissions.
In New Zealand, Todd Motors is even more adventurous with VJ. The Ranger XL and Charger bases have been updated, as in Australia, with a similar NZ-only variation as VH but VJ Regal 770 is something of 'part bin special' and is basically a merger of VJ Regal with CH Chrysler. Nose - also used for several hundred VH Chargers built for the Japanese market - combined with four CH headlights and grille with VH Valiant sheetmetal (retaining older, bigger, clearer park/indicator lights) while other body parts are the same as Australia VJ. Inside, the new front seat is a CH style, with each seat forming a bench shape, and an automatic column shifter is now in use. The previous cars had all vinyl coating but the fabric was fitted as standard later. The New Zealand VJ team also has a black or cream vinyl roof and a panel between the tail lights is also trimmed in vinyl to match - the vinyl trim can be removed to order.
CJ Series
Chrysler was given a facelift in May 1973 to become the CJ Series. The two-door hardtop was dropped leaving only a four-door sedan to continue the fight against Ford and its luxury rival statesman. The production of the Valiant related hardtop continues.
VK Series
In October 1975 VK Valiant was released with some external changes from the previous VJ model. The Ranger now has an argent version of the VJ Charger grille, Charger XL has a white version and Charger 770 also has an argent grille. VK Valiant Regal displays "grille in a grille". The Ranger sedan, Regal sedan, and Filler all now share the same taillight treatments, using a horizontal layout with four chrome contours to keep the airflow and keep the lens clean. The Chargers are not called Chrysler Valiant Chargers anymore; with the name 'Valiant' dropped.
The VK Regal also has a blinker repeater placed in a small chrome box that sits above the two front guards. Another unusual option is the Fuel Pacer option from Chrysler US bin that detects low engine vacuum - as under harsh acceleration - and illuminates repetitive side reps of car guards to indicate wasted driving. The slightly different inertia-reel safety reinforcement and heater controls were introduced in the VK, as well as the combination of control stalks for lamps and wipers from Mitsubishi Galant. The Ranger also gets full length door trims, and the carpets are now standard.
The six-cylinder VK series engine is the same as the VJ, and 245 Hemi-6 now features a two-barrel carburetor like 265 variants. V8s are mainly 318 cu in (5.2 L) units, although 360 cu at (5.9 L) remains an option across the entire range. It was not very popular because the mid-1970s saw a trend toward smaller cars with smaller motors. While the "three in tree" column removes manual gearboxes still available, it is rarely specified (though still popular in Utes) and the third floor change of speed is now also lost. Buyers looking for floor-shift guides can choose four speeds, which are available on all models but can only be owned by Hemi-6 , not with V8.
The end of the VK model runs a limited-edition Filler called White Knight Special (option A50) offered with factory-installed front air dams. The change was mainly cosmetic with the gear running most of the stock. There are 200 White Knight Specials made - 100 Arctic White and 100 Amarante Red. 120 is automatic and 80 is four speed.
20,555 VK Valiant was produced and production ceased in June 1976. This was because ADR 27A for exhaust emissions control became effective on 1 July 1976, and all car manufacturers used that date as the introduction of new models to meet the new standards.
VK assembly did not start in New Zealand until almost a year after the Australian launch due to a 60% sales tax imposed on large-engined cars, introduced during the 1973-4 oil crisis, drastically slowing down VJ sales. The model range in New Zealand is shelled off to Regal and Regal 770 edition.
CK Series
Chrysler was given a bit of a facelift in October 1975 to become the CK series. Production ceased only one year later in October 1976 when Chrysler was replaced by Chrysler Regal SE, a prestige version of the CL Series Valiant.
CL Series
The CL Series Valiant was introduced in November 1976. Despite using the same bodyshell as the previous VK range, the front and rear ends were restyled. The front end uses a horizontal quad-shaped headlamp flanking the central grille. The front cover and hood are also reworked. The new front line from the curved bootlid flows down to the new rear lights flanking a simple central garris panel. The bumper, however, is the same unit as has been used on Valies VF series 1969.
Ranger's name dropped; CL's basic model is simply called Valiant , and the long wheelbase "Chrysler by Chrysler" is replaced by Regal SE . The CL series regal is marketed as Chrysler Regal , in contrast to the name Regal Valiant used from AP5 series to recently replaced VK Series. The CL Series is the last to include the Charger model, which - like the previous VK model - was given a badge and sold as Chrysler , not as a Valiant submodel. CL Battery Chargers are generally available in only one trim level, Charger 770 , although XL Charger is provided to the police department. The CL series also saw the arrival of van panel variants to compete with similar offerings from rival makers.
The interior is carried largely unchanged from the VK range, although Regal SE offers buttony buttoned buttoned seats as an option. Base Valiants continue with the Ranger-style stripometer strip beforehand, while the Regal dashboard displays hidden circular gauges and clocks with woodgrain finishing. The Movie Dashboard 770 is similar to Regal's, except it's finished in black and has a tachometer instead of a clock.
The 3,5Ã, L (215Ã, Â ° c) Hemi-6 and 5,9Ã, L (360Ã, Â ° CuÃ,,) V8 are dropped, and the engine option is only a low and high compression version of 4,0Ã, L (245Ã, Â ° C) Hemi-6 and 5.2Ã, L (318Ã, Â ° C) in V8. The introduction of CL has closely coincided with the strict exhaust gas emission regulations contained in ADR 27A. With 318 engines, a new emission control system was introduced: Electronic Lean Burn .
The choice of transmission is a 3-speed manual with floor or column shifts, a four-speed manual with floor shift, and a three-speed automatic torqueflite with floor or column shifts. Automatic is standard equipment with 318 V8, and optional with 6-cylinder. The 4-speed is optional for six and eight cylinder models. The floor auto-sliding option is installed to most Regal and all Regal SE.
In 1978 Chrysler released a limited edition containing 400 special models of Regal Le Baron (option A17). Le Baron is only available in Silver, with red or blue interior. The 265 Hemi-6 is standard, and 318 V8 is optional.
Valiant and Regal Sedans also benefited from the introduction of the 1978 Radial Tuned Suspension in response to Holden after marketing their suspension as highly suitable for radial tires. The RTS significantly improved handling and buffering, and the magazine "Modern Motor" stated that Valiant offered a better drive than Holden.
The last specific option in the CL range is the $ 816 Drifter package, available in Charger. Drifter packages include Impact Orange, Sundance Yellow, Spinnaker White or Harvest Gold body paint, and large sidebars and rear. The white Drifter has an additional "strobe line" on the bootlid. The choice of the engine again is 265 six or 318 V8, but the 4-speed manual is the only transmission option. The Drifter package is also offered in Van Valiant Panel and in Utility.
36,672 Valiant CL - including existing Fillers - built.
CL is the last Valiant series assembled in New Zealand - now Chargers and Ranger have been lost and Regal and Regal SE, replacing 770, is the only model. Regal SE is the first car assembled in a country with standard air conditioners.
CM series
CM was released in November 1978, and slightly changed from the CL model. Only models of sedans and wagons are produced.
A sports sedan called GLX (option A16) was released as a replacement for the Pacer's Halted Charger and earlier. Its features include Charger grill and dashboard, special trim fabrics, Hot Chex Hotwire wheels and black door frames. It is advertised as a car "For People Who Like Their Cars Rare", as this is the last of the sports and gem models in the CM series. GLX can be selected with 4.3Ã, Â ° L (265Ã, Â ° C) Hemi-6 or 5.2Ã, L (318Ã, Â ° C) V8.
The computer-controlled Electronic Lean Burn system continues to provide profitable fuel savings; When Wheels tested the economy in 1979, they found Valiant 4.0Ã, L (245Ã, cuÃ, in) equipped with ELB using less fuel than 2.0Ã,, L (120Ã, Â ° C) at Ford Cortina. A Valiant reaches over 30 miles per gallon imperial (9.4 L/100 km) in Total Oil Economy Run.
The production of this car continued after Mitsubishi took over Chrysler's operations in Australia. Mitsubishi can build cars profitably even in small quantities because of Australia's local content levels and 97% high amortization equipment. However, the car was still crowned as Valiant Chrysler, not as Mitsubishi. The profit from a Valiant sale equals the profit of 3 Mitsubishi Sigmas-at this time as the Company's primary seller.
Valiant production ended in August 1981 with CM production reaching 16005 units from 565,338 units of all models. Full-sized Chryslers are no longer marketed in Australia until the 2005 Chrysler 300C release.
Motorsport
Although Charger is arguably the most remembered Valiant in Australian motorsport, the previous model achieved class victory at the annual "Bathurst 500" production race, something Chargers never did. An AP5 Valiant won Class D at Armstrong 500 in 1963, VC Valiant V8 won Class D in 1966 Gallaher 500 and VG Valiant Pacer won Class D at Hardie-Ferodo 500 in 1970. Charger drove at Hardie-Ferodo 500 at Bathurst in 1971 and 1972 with factory support. They earned the third best direct and second place in the class in 1972. Chrysler's policy is to race "Australian-made" products, which means race car ran 4.3Ã, ° L (265Ã, cuÃ, in) six-cylinder engine equipped with carburetor Weber triple and 3-speed Gearbox. Even skilled driving and good technique can not beat the legendary Falcon Ford GTHO Phase III with 351 cuÃ, at (5.75Ã,L) V8. In New Zealand, however, Chryslers proved almost invincible from 1971 to 1979 in the B & amp; H 500 miles (then 1000 km) at Pukekohe Park Raceway. The most successful racers were Leo Leonard and Jim Little, who still rode his Valiant (mostly pre-65 classes).
See also
- Plymouth Valiant
- VIP Chrysler
- Chrysler by Chrysler
- Chrysler Valiant Charger
- Chrysler Australia
- Mitsubishi Motors Australia Limited
References
External links
- IMCDB: Chrysler Valiants in movies and TV shows
- 1962valiants.com
- The history of Valiant Australia at Fastlane.com.au
- Australian Valiants
- valiantpacers.com - devoted to all Valiant Pacers
- E55 Charger
- InfoBase Valiant - Australian Reference Center & amp; Register
Source of the article : Wikipedia
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