Chrysler Valiant (VH). 1971–3 (prod. n/a). 4-door sedan, 5-door wagon, 2-door hardtop, 2-door coupé. F/R, 215, 245, 265 in³ (I6 OHV), 318, 340 in³ (V8 OHV). All-new, Australian-designed model with sheetmetal unrelated to the US ones, developed at a cost of A$22 million. Technically some similarities to the A- and B-bodies in the US. Styled to look bigger, even though only slightly longer than the previous model (4,897 mm, 13 mm up); wheelbase at 2,819 mm (111 in), matching the new Dodge Dart (1970–6); wider by 100 mm and heavier by 45 kg—but leg- and headroom little changed and visibility poorer. No front flow-through ventilation. Mid-line Valiants called Ranger and Ranger XL; Pacer was the sporting model, with 265 in³ six as standard; Regal was the luxury one, with 245 in³ as standard; 265 and 318 in³ as options. Anti-roll bars on Pacer, Regal 770 and wagons, improving handling; more refined than VG. Hardtop from October 1971 was longer than the sedan, with a longer wheelbase (2,921 mm or 115 in), available as Ranger XL, Regal and Regal 770, with 245 in³ as the smallest unit; middle shared with CH Hardtop. Short-wheelbase (2,667 mm, or 105 in) Charger fastback won Wheels’ Car of the Year award for 1971, with power from the locally made Hemis being particularly effective thanks to the lighter weight; R/T’s only imported parts were the Weber carburettors. A handful of Charger 770 SEs with the 340 in³ V8 were made, part of an abandoned homologation programme.

Manufacturing location: Tonsley Park, South Australia, Australia

Marque: Chrysler | Model: Chrysler Valiant | Predecessor: Chrysler Valiant (VG) | Successor: Chrysler Valiant (VJ)

q.v. Chrysler (CH)