Chrysler Valiant (VJ)

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.

Chrysler VJ Valiant
Chrysler VJ Valiant Regal Sedan
Overview
ManufacturerChrysler Australia
Also calledDodge utility
ProductionApril 1973 to September 1975
AssemblyTonsley Park, Australia
South Africa
Body and chassis
Body style4-door sedan
5-door station wagon
2-door hardtop
2-door coupé
2-door coupé utility
LayoutFR layout
RelatedChrysler by Chrysler (CJ series)
Powertrain
Engine215 cu in (3.5 L) I6
245 cu in (4.0 L) I6
265 cu in (4.3 L) I6
318 cu in (5.2 L) V8
340 cu in (5.6 L) V8
360 cu in (5.9 L) V8
Transmission3spd manual
4spd manual
3spd automatic
Dimensions
WheelbaseSedan: 111 inches (2819 mm)
Wagon: 111 inches (2819 mm)
Hardtop: 115 inches (2921 mm)
Charger coupe: 105 (2667 mm)
Utility: 111 inches (2819 mm)
LengthSedan: 192.8 inches (4897 mm)
Width74.2 inches (1885 mm)
Curb weightHemi 6 Sedan: 3090 lb (1402 kg)
Chronology
PredecessorChrysler VH Valiant
SuccessorChrysler VK Valiant

Overview

The VJ Valiant models featured new grilles, round headlights and revised tail lights,[1] along with improved trim and a larger range of colours.[2] A new electronic ignition system was introduced on some models, the first time that this feature had been offered in an Australian built car.[3] 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.[1] 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.[4]

Model range

The VJ Valiant was introduced in April 1973[2] 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[2]
  • Chrysler Valiant Ranger sedan[2]
  • Chrysler Valiant Ranger wagon[2]
  • Chrysler Valiant Regal sedan[2]
  • Chrysler Valiant Regal wagon[2]
  • Chrysler Valiant Regal hardtop[2]
  • Chrysler Valiant Charger coupe[2]
  • Chrysler Valiant Charger XL coupe[2]
  • Chrysler Valiant Charger 770 coupe[2]
  • Chrysler Valiant utility[2]
  • Dodge utility[2]

The Dodge utility was virtually identical to the Chrysler Valiant utility but had a slightly lower level of equipment.[1]

  • Chrysler VJ Valiant Ranger sedan
  • Chrysler VJ Valiant Ranger sedan
  • Chrysler VJ Valiant Regal sedan
  • Chrysler VJ Valiant Regal sedan
  • Chrysler VJ Valiant Regal wagon
  • Chrysler VJ Valiant Regal wagon
  • Chrysler VJ Valiant Regal Hardtop
  • Chrysler VJ Valiant Regal hardtop
  • Chrysler VJ Valiant Charger coupe
  • Chrysler VJ Valiant Charger coupe
  • Chrysler VJ Valiant Charger XL coupe with optional Sports Pack
  • Chrysler VJ Valiant Charger XL coupe with optional Sports Pack
  • Chrysler VJ Valiant Charger XL (with option E48 265 "six pack" 248 bhp engine)
  • Chrysler VJ Valiant Charger 770 (with option E55 340 V8 engine)
  • Chrysler VJ Valiant utility (with option A77 "Town & Country Pack")
  • Chrysler VJ Valiant utility (with option A77 "Town & Country Pack")
  • Dodge VJ utility (with non-standard alloy wheels)

Limited editions

A limited edition Valiant Charger Sportsman model was introduced in August 1974.[1] It was available only in “Vintage Red”, with bold white exterior striping, plaid cloth seat inserts and various other extras.[1] It was fitted with the Hemi 265 engine and a four-speed manual gearbox.[1] 500 examples were produced.[1]

  • Chrysler Valiant VJ Charger Sportsman coupe
  • Chrysler VJ Valiant Charger Sportsman coupe
  • VJ Charger Sportsman tartan interior trim

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).[5] A 318 cid V8 was also offered[2] and a number of Chargers were produced with the 340 cid V8.[6] A 360 cid V8 replaced the 340 in 1974.[2] 3speed manual, 4speed manual and 3speed automatic transmissions were offered.[7]

Production and replacement

A total of 90,865 VJ Valiants were built, more than any other Australian Valiant series.[8] Production consisted of 49,198 sedans, 15,241 wagons, 10,509 Chargers, 1,067 hardtops and 14,856 utilities.[8] The VJ Valiant was replaced by the VK Valiant in October 1975.[9]

South Africa

Sold as the Valiant J series, the South African assembled Chrysler Valiant lineup included the Rebel, Rebel 660, Regal, Regal Safari, and the VIP. During 1975 the "J½ series" appeared, first as the VIP only but gradually spreading down the range.[10] Sound deadening was improved, while the Regal sedan also received a new "iso-clamp" rear axle insulator. The Regals also received new seats, while all J½ series Valiants could be recognized by the ventless front door windows.[10]

Chrysler CJ series
Main article: Chrysler by Chrysler

Chrysler Australia also produced the Chrysler CJ series, a long wheelbase, luxury model developed from the VJ Valiant.[11]

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See also

References
  1. Chrysler Valiant VJ at www.uniquecarsandparts.com.au Retrieved on 18 December 2011
  2. Valiant VJ/CJ Technical Specifications at www.uniquecarsandparts.com.au Retrieved on 18 December 2011
  3. Tony Davis, Aussie Cars, 1987, page 133
  4. Gavin Farmer, Great Ideas in Motion, A History of Chrysler in Australia 1946-1981, page 197
  5. Elizabeth Tuckey and Ewan Kennedy, Chrysler Valiant, 1996, page 122
  6. Gavin Farmer, Great Ideas in Motion, A History of Chrysler in Australia 1946-1981, page 221
  7. Elizabeth Tuckey and Ewan Kennedy, Chrysler Valiant, 1996, page 119
  8. Gavin Farmer, Great Ideas in Motion, A History of Chrysler in Australia 1946-1981, page 418
  9. Elizabeth Tuckey and Ewan Kennedy, Chrysler Valiant, 1996, page 135
  10. Howard, Tony, ed. (December 1975). "News Models". SA Motor. Cape Town, South Africa: Scott Publications: 59.
  11. Elizabeth Tuckey and Ewan Kennedy, Chrysler Valiant, 1996, page 130
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