1974 Chrysler Valiant VJ Charger Sportsman Coupe

Description

The Charger was a landmark car in Australian motoring history, born of the muscle car era, blooded on the local race tracks by the likes of Leo Geoghegan and, with the numbers of surviving cars dwindling each year, more collectible than ever today. The VJ Valiant range introduced in March 1973 saw the Charger facelifted with a revised grille, round headlamps, a new tail lamp design and a rationalised model range consisting of three models, the base level, XL and 770. With the so-called 'Supercar Scare' of 1972 and fuel crisis in the Middle East looming, the high performance R/T package was no longer an option, although buyers looking for more grunt could still order the E48 Six Pack engine set-up. Inside, new trim patterns and sundry minor changes were made to enhance the interior. To generate excitement, Chrysler launched a limited edition Charger, the Sportsman, in August 1974 with a unique colour scheme consisting of Vintage Red with contrasting white roof and lower sills. The brash exterior was complemented by plaid seat inserts, a three-spoke sports steering wheel, a radio and tachometer. The 6.5 x 14 inch sports wheels were the same style as fitted to the Charger 770. Under the bonnet, the Sportsman came with Chrysler's 265-cid Hemi six and floor-mounted four-speed manual gearbox as standard issue, although the console-mounted automatic was available as an option. In this form, the slant six developed a healthy 203 bhp, with 262 lbs/ft of torque, making the Sportsman a strong performer. Just 399 Sportsman Chargers were made according to Gavin Farmer and Gary Bridger's authoritative book Hey Charger, (although other sources quote 500, from a total VJ production exceeding 10,000 units) and those few that survive are now highly prized collectors items.