1972 Chrysler VH Valiant Charger XL Coupe

Description

An Aussie muscle car icon, the Charger was launched in August 1971 as a fastback version of the VH Valiant to cries of “Hey, Charger!”(the phrase coined by advertisements for the new model) and proved an instant hit.  Buyers couldn’t get enough of the sporty newcomer and Charger sales quickly accounted for roughly 50% of Valiant production.  Matching the Valiant sedans, the VH Charger line-up consisted of the base model, XL and more upmarket 770, a luxury sports coupe aimed squarely at Holden’s Monaro LS.  It was the XL that proved the most popular amongst buyers, offering a great combination of equipment, performance and looks at an affordable price.  Standard features includes a Hemi 245-cid six mated to either a floor-mounted manual gearbox or column-shift auto, along with ventilated front disc brakes.  With a two-barrel carbie set-up, the Hemi was rated at a healthy 165 horsepower and 235 lbs/ft of torque, while the larger 265-cid motor was part of the extensive options list.  Front bucket seats, full carpeting and remotely adjustable exterior mirror were also features found on the XL Charger, while the external appearance was enhanced with styled steel wheels shod with 6.95 by 14 whitewall tyres, plus chrome wheelarch and sill mouldings.  Pitched as “The dream car you can afford – whether you’re young, young-at-heart, single or married”, the Charger XL has gone on to become an Aussie legend, with good examples particularly collectible today.