Chrysler Drifter

The Chrysler Drifter is an automobile which was produced by Chrysler Australia from 1977 to 1978. It was offered in panel van and coupé utility body styles.

Chrysler Drifter
Chrysler CL Drifter Van
Overview
ManufacturerChrysler Australia
Production1977–1978
AssemblyAustralia
Body and chassis
Body style2-door panel van
2-door coupé utility
LayoutFR layout
RelatedChrysler Valiant
Powertrain
Engine265 cu in (4.3 L) 6-cyl
318 cu in (5.2 L) V8[1]
Transmissionfour speed manual

Chrysler Australia added a panel van to their Chrysler CL Valiant range in April 1977,[2] and a few weeks later they introduced the "Drifter Pack" as an option on that body style.[3] The Drifter Pack included a Chrysler Charger grille, quartz halogen high beam headlights, a sports steering wheel, radial ply tyres, styled wheels and special exterior paint and decal treatment with colour-coded bumpers.[3] The 4.3 litre Hemi 265 engine and a four speed floor shift manual transmission were standard on the Drifter.[4] In spite of its option pack status, Chrysler marketed the model as the Chrysler Drifter without using the name "Valiant".[5][6] The Drifter pack was also available on the Chrysler Valiant Utility, which was also marketed as the "Chrysler Drifter".[7]

The Drifter styles of the panel van and utility body ended when Chrysler Australia discontinued the CL series. The 1978 CM Valiant range did not include these styles.[8] The brief life of the Drifter was marked by low sales as competition from comparable offerings from Ford and Holden was stiff.

Chrysler Australia also used the Drifter name on a special edition Charger Drifter, released in 1978.[7]

  • Chrysler CL Drifter Van
  • Chrysler CL Drifter Ute

See also
  • Car-derived van

References
  1. Elisabeth Tuckey and Ewan Kennedy, Chrysler Valiant, 1996, page 155
  2. Elisabeth Tuckey and Ewan Kennedy, Chrysler Valiant, 1996, page 152
  3. Chrysler Valiant CL Panel Van, Drifter and LeBaron at www.uniquecarsandparts.com.au Retrieved on 14 May 2011
  4. Elisabeth Tuckey and Ewan Kennedy, Chrysler Valiant, 1996, page 164
  5. Valiant Van, Valiant Sports Van and Drifter Van brochure Retrieved on 14 May 2011
  6. Chrysler Drifter sales brochure cover Retrieved on 14 May 2011
  7. Elisabeth Tuckey and Ewan Kennedy, Chrysler Valiant, 1996, page 163
  8. Elisabeth Tuckey and Ewan Kennedy, Chrysler Valiant, 1996, page 172


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