Layout FR layout | Also called Dodge utility | |
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Production June 1971 to March 1973 Body style 4-door sedan5-door station wagon2-door hardtop2-door coupe2-door coupe utility | ||
The Chrysler VH Valiant is an automobile which was produced by Chrysler Australia from June 1971 to March 1973. It replaced the VG series Valiant and was the first Valiant model to be a uniquely Australian design.
Contents
Model range
The VH series Valiant was offered in the following models.
Sedan and station wagon models were introduced in June 1971, followed by the Charger coupes in August, the coupe utility models in September, and the 2-door hardtops in November.
Changes
The VH Valiant featured an entirely new body which was larger and more roomy than that of its VG series predecessor. The VH Hardtop models used body panels that were made entirely in Australia, unlike the previous VG Hardtops which had used imported sheet metal for all panels rear of the windscreen. The hardtops now rode on a 115-inch wheelbase, 4 inches longer than that on sedans and wagons. The Valiant Charger, which made its debut as part of the VH series used a 105-inch wheelbase.
Engines and transmissions
Chrysler Australia’s “Hemi 6” straight six engine was offered in three displacements, 215 cid (3.5 litre), 245 cid (4.0 litre) and 265 cid (4.3 litre). and a 318 cid V8 was also available. A 340 cid V8 was fitted to the Charger 770SE E55 model which was released in October 1972. 3 speed manual and 3 speed automatic transmissions were offered initially with a 4 speed manual available on Charger models from June 1972.
South African production
VH Valiants were assembled at Silverton, near Pretoria in South Africa using Australian bodies, electrics and trim and locally sourced mechanical components including a 225 cid engine. Prior to 1971 South African Valiants had been sourced from Canada. Local versions were sold as the Chrysler Valiant Rebel, Rebel 660, Regal, Charger Coupé, and Chrysler VIP. Station wagons were also available of the Rebel and Regal. For 1973 the Dodge SE (for "Special Edition") appeared, a luxury version with different front and rear treatment, vinyl roof, full equipment and a 142 kW (193 PS; 190 hp) version of the slant-six engine. Aside from the six-cylinder engine, the Dodge SE was very similar to the Australian-market Chrysler by Chrysler.
Production and replacement
A total of 67,800 VH Valiants were built prior to its replacement by the VJ Valiant range in 1973.
Chrysler by Chrysler
In November 1971, Chrysler Australia introduced the CH series Chrysler by Chrysler, which was a long wheelbase, luxury model developed from the VH Valiant. It was offered in 4-door sedan and 2-door hardtop bodystyles with a choice of 265 cid six and 360 cid V8 engines.