Chrysler Valiant (AP5)

The Chrysler AP5 Valiant is an automobile which was produced by Chrysler Australia from 1963 to 1965.[1] It was the third Chrysler Valiant model to be produced in Australia.

Chrysler AP5 Valiant
Chrysler Valiant sedan
Overview
ManufacturerChrysler Australia
ProductionMay 1963 to February 1965[1]
49,440 produced[1]
AssemblyMile End Australia[2]
Tonsley Park, Australia[1]
New Zealand[3]
Body and chassis
Body style4-door sedan[1]
5-door station wagon[1]
LayoutFR layout[1]
RelatedPlymouth Valiant
Powertrain
Engine225 cu in (3.7 L) I6[1]
Transmission3spd manual[1]
3spd automatic[1]
Dimensions
Wheelbase106.0 inches (2692 mm)[1]
Length185.4 inches (4709 mm)[1]
Width69.0 inches (1753 mm)[1]
Height55.0 inches (1387 mm)[1]
Curb weight2679 lb (1213 kg)[1]
Chronology
PredecessorChrysler SV1 Valiant[1]
SuccessorChrysler AP6 Valiant[1]

Overview

The AP5 Valiant was released in May 1963, replacing the SV1 Valiant.[1] It was the first Valiant model to be manufactured in Australia rather than just assembled there.[4] The AP5 featured entirely new sheet-metal, with most body panels produced in Australia.[4] It differed from the US Plymouth Valiant in having a six-bar grille,[5] a larger boot with a different rear deck and a flat rear window.[4] The 225 cid slant six engine was carried over from the SV1 model and remained fully imported.[4] Suspension was substantially unchanged but employed softer rear springs.[4]

The AP5 range was increased to include the up-market Valiant Regal which featured different badgework, better seats and interior trim, auto transmission as standard, a heater with integrated demister, carpets and white-wall tyres.[4] In November 1963 Safari and Regal Safari station wagons were added to the range.[4] The wagons shared mechanical components and front styling with the sedans and were fitted with heavier rear springs.[4] US Plymouth Valiant wagon rear sheetmetal was used, resulting in different rear end styling depending on production dates. Early build AP5 wagons used 1963 Plymouth Valiant wagon horizontal style tail lights while later build wagons used 1964 Plymouth Valiant wagon vertical style tail lights.[6] Both versions incorporated amber turn signals to comply with Australian regulations.

The AP5 was marketed by Chrysler Australia as the "Valiant by Chrysler"[7][8] rather than as the Chrysler Valiant.

Model range

The AP5 Valiant was offered with 4-door sedan and 5-door station wagon body styles[1] in six models.[9]

  • Valiant manual sedan (AP5-2)[9]
  • Valiant automatic sedan (AP5-4)[9]
  • Valiant Regal sedan (AP5-4H)[9]
  • Valiant Safari manual wagon (AP5-2W)[9]
  • Valiant Safari automatic wagon (AP5-4W)[9]
  • Valiant Regal Safari wagon (AP5-4WH)[9]

The sedans were introduced in May 1963[1] and the wagons in November 1963.[4]

  • Chrysler Valiant AP5 sedan
  • Chrysler AP5 Valiant sedan
  • Chrysler AP5 Valiant Safari wagon (later model hubcaps)
  • Chrysler AP5 Valiant Safari wagon - early build version using US 1963 Plymouth Valiant horizontal style tail lights. Note amber turn signal lenses incorporated to comply with Australian regulations
  • Chrysler AP5 Valiant Safari wagon - later build version using US 1964 Plymouth Valiant vertical style tail lights with amber turn signals
  • Chrysler AP5 Valiant Regal sedan
  • Chrysler AP5 Valiant Regal sedan
  • Chrysler AP5 Valiant Regal Safari wagon
  • Chrysler AP5 Valiant Regal Safari wagon

Engines and transmissions

A 225 cu in (3.7 L) Straight-six engine was fitted to all models.[1] Three speed manual and three speed "TorqueFlite" push button operated automatic transmissions were offered, with the latter fitted as standard on Regal models.[9]

Production and replacement

A total of 49,440 AP5 Valiants were built prior to its replacement by the AP6 Valiant in February 1965.[1] Of this total, 37,292 were sedans and 12,148 were wagons.[10]

Motor sport

An AP5 Valiant driven by Tony Reynolds and Tony Allen won Class D in the 1963 Armstrong 500 endurance race at Mount Panorama, Bathurst.[11]

gollark: Well, in my country not really.
gollark: Classrooms and such are often quite densely packed. Also corridors.
gollark: I mean, yes, you can wear a mask easily, but remaining distanced not so much.
gollark: > u can wear a mask n be 6ft apartIn school? Hahahahahahahno.
gollark: I'm not sure this was a reasonable way to handle anything.

References
  1. Elisabeth Tuckey and Ewan Kennedy, Chrysler Valiant, 1996
  2. Gavin Farmer, Great Ideas in Motion – A History of Chrysler in Australia 1946-1981, pages 352 & 418
  3. Gavin Farmer, Great Ideas in Motion – A History of Chrysler in Australia 1946-1981, page 122
  4. Chrysler Valiant AP5, www.uniquecarsandparts.com.au Retrieved on 20 November 2013
  5. Australian Production (AP5 and AP6), www.valiant.org Retrieved on 20 November 2013
  6. Chrysler Australia - 1962-1969 Valiant and V.I.P. Parts List - body section various pages
  7. "Valiant by Chrysler" - Chrysler Australia sales brochure for the AP5 Valiant sedans
  8. "Valiant by Chrysler" - Chrysler Australia advertisement for the AP5 Valiant sedans, Australian Motor Manual, December 1963, page 4
  9. Valiant AP5 Technical Specifications, www.uniquecarsandparts.com.au Retrieved on 20 November 2013
  10. Gavin Farmer, Great Ideas in Motion – A History of Chrysler in Australia 1946-1981, page 418
  11. Armstrong 500 - Mount Panorama, Bathurst - 6 October 1963, www.uniquecarsandparts.com.au Retrieved on 19 November 2013
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