Chrysler Valiant (VK)

Chrysler VK Valiant
Chrysler Valiant VK Regal Sedan
Overview
Manufacturer Chrysler Australia
Production October 1975 to October 1976 [1]
Assembly Tonsley Park, Australia
Body and chassis
Body style 4-door sedan
5-door station wagon
2-door coupé
2-door coupé utility
Layout FR layout [1]
Related Chrysler (CK)
Powertrain
Engine 215 cu in (3.5 L) I6 [1]
245 cu in (4.0 L) I6 [1]
265 cu in (4.3 L) I6 [1]
318 cu in (5.2 L) V8 [1]
360 cu in (5.9 L) V8 [1]
Transmission 3 speed manual [1]
4 speed manual [1]
3 speed automatic [1]
Dimensions
Wheelbase Sedan: 111.0 inches (2819 mm) [1]
Charger coupe: 105 (2667 mm) [1]
Length Sedan: 192.7 inches (4895 mm) [1]
Width Sedan: 74.8 inches (1900 mm) [1]
Curb weight Sedan: : 3100 lb (1406 kg) [1]
Chronology
Predecessor Chrysler Valiant (VJ)
Successor Chrysler Valiant (CL)

The Chrysler Valiant (VK) is an automobile which was produced by Chrysler Australia from October 1975 to October 1976.[1] It was the eleventh Australian produced Chrysler Valiant series.[2]

Overview

The Chrysler Valiant VK series was introduced in October 1975, replacing the Valiant VJ series.[1] The VK was essentially a facelift of the VJ with revised grilles, taillights and badging.[1] The VK was intended to have significantly different styling to the VJ, however this did not eventuate due to financial constraints.[1]

The range was rationalized with a reduced number of models and options.[3] The Chrysler name was now prompted more strongly with Chrysler badging displayed prominently on the new models.[4] The Charger was now known as the Chrysler Charger,[5] having previously been promoted as the Valiant Charger by Chrysler.[6]

The six cylinder engines were fitted with a new Carter carburetor.[3] A vacuum operated “Fuel Pacer” was offered as an option, the device using a flashing light to assist the driver in avoiding fuel wastage.[3] This light was initially on the right-hand guard, but was later fitted to the instrument panel.[1] Additional safety features included a pressure proportioning valve in the rear brake circuit,[7] power-boosted brakes and hazard warning lights.[3] Indicator, headlight dipping, headlight flashing and windscreen wiper controls were now housed in a steering column stalk.[1] This was the first multi-purpose stalk control to be fitted by any of the “big three" manufacturers,[3] the other two being Ford Australia and General Motors-Holden's.

Model range

The VK series was offered in 4-door sedan, 5-door station wagon, coupé and coupé utility body styles [1] in the following models:

  • Chrysler Valiant Ranger sedan [1]
  • Chrysler Valiant Ranger wagon [1]
  • Chrysler Valiant Regal sedan [1]
  • Chrysler Valiant Regal wagon [1]
  • Chrysler Charger XL [8]
  • Chrysler Charger 770 [8]
  • Dodge utility [1]

200 Charger White Knight Specials were produced, based on the Charger XL.[9] Specified via Option Code A50,[10] 100 examples were produced in Arctic White and 100 in Amarante Red.[9]

Engines and transmissions

The range of engines available in the VK series comprised 215 cu in (3.5 L) I6, 245 cu in (4.0 L) I6, 265 cu in (4.3 L) I6, 318 cu in (5.2 L) V8 and 360 cu in (5.9 L) V8.[1] 3 speed manual, 4 speed manual and 3 speed automatic transmissions were offered.[1]

Production and replacement

VK production comprised 11,722 sedans, 4,039 wagons, 1,625 Chargers and 3,169 utilities for a total of 20,555 units.[11] This was the lowest Valiant production since the S Series. The VK was superseded by the Chrysler Valiant (CL) in November 1976.[3]

Chrysler CK series

Chrysler Australia also produced the related Chrysler CK series, a long wheelbase, luxury model developed from the Valiant VK.[12]

See also

References

  1. 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 28 29 Elizabeth Tuckey and Ewan Kennedy, VK Valiant, Chrysler Valiant, 1996, pages 134 to 143
  2. ↑ Gavin Farmer, Great Ideas in Motion, A History of Chrysler in Australia 1946-1981, pages 414 to 416
  3. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Tony David, Aussie Cars, 1987, page 143
  4. ↑ New face, new features, Modern Motor, December 1975
  5. ↑ Chrysler Valiant VK, www.uniquecarsandparts.com.au Retrieved on 24 January 2015
  6. ↑ Valiant Charger by Chrysler (sales brochure for VJ series Valiant Charger by Chrysler)
  7. ↑ Gavin Farmer, Great Ideas in Motion, A History of Chrysler in Australia 1946-1981, page 197
  8. 1 2 Chrysler Charger (sales brochure for VK series Chrysler Charger XL & 770), Chrysler Australia Ltd.
  9. 1 2 James Cockington, 1976 VK Chrysler Charger White Knight, Australian Muscle Car, Issue 78, 2014/15, pages 38 to 45
  10. ↑ Gavin Farmer, Great Ideas in Motion, A History of Chrysler in Australia 1946-1981, page 422
  11. ↑ Gavin Farmer, Great Ideas in Motion, A History of Chrysler in Australia 1946-1981, page 418
  12. ↑ Elizabeth Tuckey and Ewan Kennedy, Chrysler Valiant, 1996, pages 144 to 149
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