Global InformationChrysler Valiant information
| Chrysler Valiant | |
|---|---|
 Chrysler Valiant Sedan (CM) | |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Chrysler Australia (1962–1980) Mitsubishi Australia (1980–1981) |
| Also called | Chrysler Charger (1975–1978) Chrysler Regal (1976–1981) Dodge Utility |
| Production | 1962–1981 |
| Assembly | Mile End, South Australia (1962–1964) Tonsley Park, South Australia (1964–1981) Todd Motors Group, New Zealand (1963–1979) |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Full-size |
| Body style | 4-door sedan 5-door station wagon 2-door hardtop 2-door coupe 2-door coupe utility 2-door sedan delivery (panel van) |
| Related | Chrysler VIP Chrysler by Chrysler |
| Chronology | |
| Predecessor | Chrysler Royal |
| Successor | Chrysler 300 Chrysler Centura |
The Chrysler Valiant was a full-size car which was sold by Chrysler Australia between 1962 and 1981. Initially a rebadged locally assembled Plymouth Valiant from the United States, from the second generation launched in 1963, the Valiant was fully manufactured in Australia. It was sold locally but also in New Zealand and South Africa, with smaller numbers also exported to South-East Asia and the United Kingdom.
Parent company Chrysler made a substantial investment in Australian manufacturing facilities by establishing operations in South Australia with an assembly plant at Tonsley Park in 1964[1] and an engine foundry at Lonsdale in 1968. The Valiant thus established its position as the third of the "Big 3" Australian-made vehicles behind the Holden Kingswood and Ford Falcon.
The Australian Valiant was built on the North American A-body platform but with many parts and components from Australian suppliers. Apart from a sedan and wagon body style, 1965 saw the introduction of a commercial utility that was badged the Wayfarer and later exported to South Africa as the Rustler.
Greater differentiation from the donor car creeped in over time, particularly since the VE series, which was embraced by the Australian motoring press and won the 1967 Wheels magazine Car of the Year award. The VF series of 1969 and the VG of 1970 departed even further from its North American donor both in terms of styling and performance—with the latter series introducing the Hemi-6 engine that replaced the Slant-6. Moreover, Australia continued to produce a station wagon model, called the Safari, even after this body style being discontinued for North America.
Beginning in 1971, the VH series saw Chrysler Australia develop the entire lineup locally including the Charger. Local design and production continued until the CM series of 1979, which marked the end of local production in 1981, after the takeover of operations by Mitsubishi Motors Australia.
- ^ New Plant Built in Record Time, The Advertiser, Friday, 2 October 1964, page 26