1968 Chrysler Valiant VE Wayfarer Utility

A one-time rival for the dominant Fords and Holdens in the passenger car market, Chrysler's Valiant was launched in 1962 and was instantly recognised as having a significantly more performance thanks to the powerful 225-cid slant six. As demand for the new Valiants increased, the range expanded from the basic four-door sedan in the original R and S-series to include variants like the Safari station wagon and Wayfarer utility with the introduction of the restyled AP5/AP6 range. Sharing the same squared-off sheetmetal as the American Plymouth Valiants and Dodge Darts, the new VE reached Australia in October 1967 with improvements to the interior and the option of a more powerful 160bhp version of the slant six featuring revised camshaft and exhaust system plus two-barrel carburetor. A larger fuel tank, dual circuit brakes and front seat belts were also added. The VE was hailed as a great success for Chrysler and won the 1968 Wheels Car of the Year award, the first time a Chrysler product took out this coveted award. One of few surviving examples from just 3,300 built in Chrysler's Tonsley Park plant, this rare classic Aussie ute is perfect for the tradesman wanting something just a little different to the usual Fords and Holdens.