1972 Chrysler VH 770 Charger Coupe

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 slogan used in 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.  Combining optional V8 power with automatic transmission, radial ply tyres, heavier torsion bar suspension and a standard anti-roll bar, the 770 was aimed at delivering a more sophisticated, European driving experience.  The interior also received significant upgrades, with better seats, full carpeting, improved sound insulation and an alloy-spoked steering wheel lending a much-needed touch of class.  External features included styled steel 6.5-inch wheels, rear bumper over riders, quartz halogen driving lights and a vinyl covering on the rear air vents that ran along the tops of the doors.  The VH 770 was available with the 265-cid six or 318-cid V8 (later models benefited from the 360) and most were optioned with Borg-Warner’s Type 35 three-speed automatic transmission, as befitting the upmarket image.  With interest in Chargers at an all-time high, the first VH-series cars continue to be sought after by collectors around Australia, particularly those in original condition.