Chrysler Valiant (VC)

Chrysler VC Valiant
Chrysler Valiant 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] The VC was the fifth Chrysler Valiant model to be produced in Australia.

Overview

The VC Valiant was longer and lower than any previous Australian Valiant model, but was essentially a facelift of the superseded AP6 model,[3] with Chrysler Australia photographs of early VC's showing them bearing the model designation AP7.[4] It featured a new grille, front bumper,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.[3] 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 gear selector with full length centre console, as well as V8 badges on the rear roof pillar, bootlid, bonnet emblem and hubcaps.[2] V8 sedans also featured three horizontal chrome bars on the rear quarter panel. Front disc brakes were introduced as an option in November 1966.[6]

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 [7]
  • Valiant 225 Safari wagon [7]
  • Valiant Regal sedan [7]
  • Valiant Regal Safari wagon [7]
  • Valiant 273 V8 sedan [7]
  • Valiant 273 V8 Safari wagon [7]
  • Valiant Wayfarer utility [2]

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]

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.[8] 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.[9]

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 Larry O'Toole, The Good Old Aussie Ute, 2000, page 197
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 Elisabeth Tuckey and Ewan Kennedy, Chrysler Valiant, 1996
  3. 1 2 Chrysler Valiant VC at www.uniquecarsandparts.com.au Retrieved on 24 May 2012
  4. ↑ https://picasaweb.google.com/104928423534347932585/ValiantVC
  5. ↑ Tony Davis, Aussie Cars, 1987, page 96
  6. ↑ Gavin Farmer, Great Ideas in Motion, 2010, pages 129-133
  7. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Sales brochure for VC series 225 Slant 6 and 273 V8 Valiants
  8. ↑ Valiant VC Technical Specifications, www.uniquecarsandparts.com.au Retrieved on 24 May 2012
  9. ↑ Bill Tuckey, Australia's Greatest Motor Race, 1981, pages 114-121
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