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26/12/2008 11:55 pm
More Valiants
Given the discussion recently on the Trax R and S Type Valiants I thought I would show the examples of the marque in my collection
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Left - right S Type, VG Pacer, VH Charger.
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As already noted the S Type was just a slightly reworked version of the earlier US Valiant. However by the end of the 60's Chrysler Australia, despite a minuscule development budget, had created a far more Australian car.
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The 4 door Pacer was the performance model of the VG range. Like all Australian Valiants until the last Chargers and the Chrysler by Chrysler, it was powered by a straight 6 Hemi engine in 245 and 265 sizes. Despite it's qualities and superiority to the Ford and Holden product of the time Chrysler remained in position 3 on the sales table.
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To appeal to a younger audience, and try and counter the Muscle cars of their opposition Chrysler released the Charger as part of its VH range. Despite the V8 options of it's competition the Charger remained faithful to the 265 Hemi six. However in R/T trim with triple webers it was embarrassingly quick. A lack of funding for works participation in Australia meant no great success on their racetracks. However in New Zealand the Charger was almost ubeatable in Production class Endurance racing.
27/12/2008 1:21 am
Lee, great background on the downunder vehicles.
I have both the R and S Trax Valiants. The R is very close to the US 1961 model while the S closely resembles the US 1962 model. The only other versions of the early US(1960-62) Valiants. Were the under-sized RHD South African Milestone Miniatures 1960 and the Jupiter (Belgian Truck) 1960. Strange that none of the "top-notch" manufacturers have ever tackled this interesting car.