1971 Chrysler VG Valiant Hardtop Coupe

Description

Chrysler’s VG Valiant range was launched in 1970, the second and final facelift of the popular VE/VF series.  The new VG heralded an important milestone in the history of Chrysler’s local arm, namely the arrival of the first Australian Hemi engine, replacing the existing slant six.  The 245-cid engine was available in three levels of tune; the single barrel developing 165 horsepower, the twin barrel 185 horsepower while the potent Pacer came with a four barrel carbie and had 190 horsepower on tap.  Already synonymous with Chrysler products in the US, the Hemi motor derived its name from the use of hemispherical cylinder head chambers.  The Hemi 245 motor was, without doubt, the most advanced engine produced in Australia at the time, the oversquare design incorporating hydraulic tappets and a seven-bearing crankshaft with hydraulic valve lifters.  The Hemi motor was both appreciably lighter and more powerful than the slant six it replaced and went a long way to restoring the performance advantage enjoyed by earlier Valiants over the contemporary Holdens and Fords, earning plaudits from the motoring press.  The VG’s styling was largely carried over from the previous model, although Chrysler updated the design with square headlamps and a new grille, along with minor changes to the rear end.  There was a healthy spread of models on offer, including the entry-level four-door sedan, more upmarket Regal, longer wheelbase VIP, stylish hardtop coupe, Safari station wagon and sporty Pacer complete with unique decals.  By the time production switched to the all-new VH in 1971, some 46,374 VGs had been made in total but the total number of hardtops was much lower and the dwindling number of survivors have become desirable collector’s items in recent years.