Chrysler · 1973–1975

Chrysler VJ Valiant

The Chrysler VJ Valiant is an automobile which was produced by Chrysler Australia from 1973 to 1975. It replaced the Chrysler VH Valiant and was a facelifted and revised version of that model. The VJ series Valiant was the tenth Chrysler Valiant model from Chrysler Australia.

Text from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0).

Predecessor: Chrysler VH Valiant · Successor: Chrysler Valiant VK

All Chrysler VJ Valiant data: UK builds, safety, recalls, model years →

Overview

The VJ Valiant models featured new grilles, round headlights and revised tail lights, along with improved trim and a larger range of colours. A new electronic ignition system was introduced on some models, the first time that this feature had been offered in an Australian built car. The total number of models offered was significantly reduced with Ranger XL, Hemi Pacer, Regal 770 and Charger R/T not carried across from the VH Valiant into the new series. Equipment levels were raised in July 1974 with power assisted front brakes, retractable front safety belts, improved sound deadening, a lockable glovebox and a front stabiliser bar now available on all models other than the utilities.

Model range

The VJ Valiant was introduced in April 1973 and was offered in 4-door sedan, 5-door station wagon, 2-door hardtop, 2-door coupé and 2-door coupé utility body styles in the following models: Chrysler Valiant sedan Chrysler Valiant Ranger sedan Chrysler Valiant Ranger wagon Chrysler Valiant Regal sedan Chrysler Valiant Regal wagon Chrysler Valiant Regal hardtop Chrysler Valiant Charger coupe Chrysler Valiant Charger XL coupe Chrysler Valiant Charger 770 coupe Chrysler Valiant utility Dodge utility The Dodge utility was virtually identical to the Chrysler Valiant utility but had a slightly lower level of equipment.

Limited editions

A limited edition Valiant Charger Sportsman model was introduced in August 1974. It was available only in “Vintage Red”, with bold white exterior striping, plaid cloth seat inserts and various other extras. It was fitted with the Hemi 265 engine and a four-speed manual gearbox. 500 examples were produced.

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). A 318 cid V8 was also offered and a number of Chargers were produced with the 340 cid V8. A 360 cid V8 replaced the 340 in 1974. 3-speed manual, 4-speed manual, and 3-speed automatic transmissions were offered.

Production and replacement

A total of 90,865 VJ Valiants were built, more than any other Australian Valiant series. Production consisted of 49,198 sedans, 15,241 wagons, 10,509 Chargers, 1,067 hardtops and 14,856 utilities. The VJ Valiant was replaced by the VK Valiant in October 1975.

New Zealand

VJ Valiant assembly for New Zealand initially commenced at the Todd Motors assembly plant in Petone, and was then transferred to the new Todd park facility in nearby Porirua in 1975, with the base-model Ranger XL sedan being by far the most popular variant. The New Zealand VJ Regal 770 was essentially a merger of a VJ Regal with a CH Chrysler by Chrysler. The nose combined the CH's four headlamps and grille with the VH Valiant bumper and front sheetmetal (retaining the older, larger, clear park/indicator lamps) while the rest of the body was as per the Australian VJ. Inside, new front seats were CH style, with individual chairs forming a bench shape, and a column automatic shifter was now used. New Zealand VJ Regals also had a vinyl roof in black or beige and the panel between the tail lights was also trimmed in vinyl to match – the vinyl trim could be deleted to order. The VJ Charger was also assembled by Todds in limited variants and was unique in being the only one of the "big three" coupes of the period to be assembled outside of Australia.

Sections adapted from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0); text is shortened. Read the full article for the complete history and citations.

Specifications

name: Chrysler Valiant (VJ)
Manufacturer: Chrysler Australia
aka: Dodge Utility
Production: April 1973 – September 1975
Assembly: Australia: Tonsley Park, New Zealand: Petone, New Zealand: Porirua, South Africa: Pretoria
Predecessor: Chrysler VH Valiant
Successor: Chrysler VK Valiant
Body style: 4-door sedan, 5-door station wagon, 2-door hardtop , 2-door coupé, 2-door coupé utility
Layout: FR layout
Engine: 215 cuin I6, 245 cuin I6, 265 cuin I6, 318 cuin V8 , 340 cuin V8, 360 cuin V8
Transmission: 3-speed manual, 4-speed manual, 3-speed automatic
Wheelbase: Sedan: 111 in , Wagon: 111 in , Hardtop: 115 in, Charger coupe: 105 in, Utility: 111 in
Length: Sedan: 192.8 in
Width: 74.2 in
Kerb weight: Hemi 6 Sedan: 3090 lb
Related: Chrysler by Chrysler (CJ series)
sp: uk