1967 Chrysler Valiant VC V8 Sedan

Description

A one-time rival for the dominant Falcons and Holdens, Chrysler's Valiant was launched in 1962 and the 225-cid slant six immediately set the car on a whole new plane performance-wise, resulting in strong sales.  The original R-series and S-series were followed by the AP5/AP6 models, with Chrysler launching the radically different VC in March 1966.  The modern, clean-cut bodywork was clearly influenced by the latest styling trends in Detroit but underneath the VC remained largely unchanged and the slant six could be had either in three-speed manual (with synchro on all gears, a first for the class) or the three-speed Torqueflite automatic transmission.  Front disc brakes were also added as an option later in 1966.  Sold in both sedan or station wagon guises (plus the Wayfarer utility), Chrysler continued to hold the trump card of an optional V8 over its arch rivals, the 273-cid unit delivering a healthy output of 180 bhp.  Sitting above the standard and Regal models in the model range, V8-powered Valiants featured a distinctive full vinyl roof covering with horizontal chrome strips on the rear quarter panel, while metallic paint was optional and all featured Torqueflite automatic transmission (with floor-mounted shifter) as standard.  Inside the V8’s interior was dominated by the full-length centre console, front bucket seats and full carpeting, along with features like the two-speed heater/demister, two-tone steering wheel and anti-glare rear vision mirror.  The Valiant V8 was a quick car in its day, recording a 0-60 mph time of just 10.5 seconds and the standing quarter mile in 17.5 seconds (as tested by Wheels magazine in May 1967).  The VC proved a milestone car in Chrysler Australia’s history, the 65,634 strong production run a significant increase over the previous AP6 but surviving examples are few and far between these days, particularly the more desirable V8-powered models.