Chrysler VJ Valiant | |
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Chrysler VJ Valiant Regal Sedan
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Overview | |
Manufacturer | Chrysler Australia |
Also called | Dodge utility |
Production | 1973 to 1975 |
Assembly |
Tonsley Park, Australia South Africa |
Body and chassis | |
Body style | 4-door sedan 5-door station wagon 2-door hardtop 2-door coupé 2-door coupé utility |
Layout | FR layout |
Related | Chrysler by Chrysler (CJ series) |
Powertrain | |
Engine | 215 cu in (3.5 L) I6 245 cu in (4.0 L) I6 265 cu in (4.3 L) I6 318 cu in (5.2 L) V8 340 cu in (5.6 L) V8 360 cu in (5.9 L) V8 |
Transmission | 3spd manual 4spd manual 3spd automatic |
Dimensions | |
Wheelbase | Sedan: 111 inches (2819 mm) Wagon: 111 inches (2819 mm) Hardtop: 115 inches (2921 mm) Charger coupe: 105 (2667 mm) Utility: 111 inches (2819 mm) |
Length | Sedan: 192.8 inches (4897 mm) |
Width | 74.2 inches (1885 mm) |
Curb weight | Hemi 6 Sedan: 3090 lb (1402 kg) |
Chronology | |
Predecessor | Chrysler VH Valiant |
Successor | Chrysler VK Valiant |
The Chrysler VJ Valiant is an automobile which was produced by Chrysler Australia from 1973 to 1975. It replaced the Chrysler VH Valiant and was a facelifted and revised version of that model. The VJ series Valiant was the tenth Chrysler Valiant model from Chrysler Australia.
The VJ Valiant models featured new grilles, round headlights and revised tail lights, along with improved trim and a larger range of colours. A new electronic ignition system was introduced on some models, the first time that this feature had been offered in an Australian built car. The total number of models offered was significantly reduced with Ranger XL, Hemi Pacer, Regal 770 and Charger R/T not carried across from the VH Valiant into the new series. Equipment levels were raised in July 1974 with power assisted front brakes, retractable front safety belts, improved sound deadening, a lockable glovebox and a front stabiliser bar now available on all models other than the utilities.
The VJ Valiant was introduced in April 1973 and was offered in 4-door sedan, 5-door station wagon, 2-door hardtop, 2-door coupé and 2-door coupé utility body styles in the following models:
The Dodge utility was virtually identical to the Chrysler Valiant utility but had a slightly lower level of equipment.
Chrysler VJ Valiant Ranger sedan
Chrysler VJ Valiant Regal sedan
Chrysler VJ Valiant Regal wagon
Chrysler VJ Valiant Regal Hardtop
Chrysler VJ Valiant Charger XL (with option E48 265 "six pack" 248 bhp engine)
Chrysler VJ Valiant Charger 770 (with option E55 340 V8 engine)
Chrysler VJ Valiant utility (with option A77 "Town & Country Pack")
Dodge VJ utility (with non-standard alloy wheels)
A limited edition Valiant Charger Sportsman model was introduced in August 1974. It was available only in “Vintage Red”, with bold white exterior striping, plaid cloth seat inserts and various other extras. It was fitted with the Hemi 265 engine and a four-speed manual gearbox. 500 examples were produced.
Chrysler Valiant VJ Charger Sportsman
Chrysler Australia’s “Hemi 6” straight six engine was offered in three displacements, 215 cid (3.5 litre), 245 cid (4.0 litre) and 265 cid (4.3 litre). A 318 cid V8 was also offered and a number of Chargers were produced with the 340 cid V8. A 360 cid V8 replaced the 340 in 1974. 3speed manual, 4speed manual and 3speed automatic transmissions were offered.