Manufacturer Chrysler Australia Layout FR layout | Class Full-size | |
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Also called The Chrysler
Dodge SE (South Africa) Production November 1971–October 1976 Body style 4-door sedan
2-door hardtop | ||
The Chrysler by Chrysler is an automobile which was produced by Chrysler Australia from 1971 to 1976. It is an extended wheelbase, luxury variant of the Australian developed Chrysler Valiant.
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CH Series
The original CH Series Chrysler was introduced in November 1971 replacing the Chrysler VIP as Chrysler’s competitor to the Ford Fairlane and the Statesman in the Australian prestige car market. It was offered in four-door Sedan and two-door Hardtop models. The Chrysler was based on the VH series Chrysler Valiant, utilizing the floorpan of the two-door Hardtop version. The 115 in (2,900 mm) wheelbase of the Chrysler was identical to that of the Valiant Hardtop and 4 in (100 mm) longer than that used on the Valiant Sedan. The Chrysler also differed significantly from the Valiant in external appearance, featuring a four headlight grille encircled by a chrome surround and a unique wrap-around horizontal tail-light assembly. The frontal styling was highly reminiscent of the 1971 US Dodge Coronet. A long list of standard luxury equipment items set the Chrysler further apart from the Valiant and included front disc brakes, power assisted steering, a push button radio with power antenna, a carpeted boot, tinted power operated windows and courtesy lighting which included adjustable reading lights for rear passengers. Considerable attention had also been taken to reduce Noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) with the application of additional soundproofing material.
A 265 cu in (4.3 L) Hemi six-cylinder engine was fitted as standard equipment, with an American designed, Australian built 360 cu in (5.9 L) V8 available as an option. An imported “TorqueFlite” three-speed automatic transmission was used in all variants.
CJ Series
An updated CJ Series version of the Chrysler was released in May 1973, one month after the VJ Series update of the Valiant. This model of the Chrysler was distinguishable by minor cosmetic styling changes from its predecessor. The four-door Sedan was now the only model offered, as the two-door Hardtop body-style was not carried over into this Series.
This model was also marketed in some export markets, including Japan. In Japan it was sold as the "Chrysler 318 CA" and featured a three-speed automatic transmission coupled to the smaller 5.2 liter V8 which was not offered in Australian market cars until 1976, with 150 PS (148 hp; 110 kW). Claimed top speed for the Japanese model is 170 km/h (106 mph).
CK Series
An updated CK Series version of the Chrysler was released in October 1975, coinciding with the release of the VK Valiant range. Changes were again minor. The most significant alteration to this model was its construction used the standard Valiant wheelbase platform, thus making it some 4 inches shorter than its two long wheelbase predecessors. The 360 cu in (5.9 L) V8 engine was modified to improve both economy and performance. however new emission regulations saw this unit replaced by a 318 cu in (5.2 L) V8 from 1 July 1976.
The CK Chrysler was discontinued in October 1976 with the introduction of the CL Series of Valiant and Regal models. This range included a luxury Chrysler Regal SE Sedan which effectively replaced the Chrysler, although it did not feature the longer wheelbase or the unique styling features of the outgoing model.