Dodge SE

Chrysler VH Valiant
Chrysler VH Valiant Ranger sedan
Overview
Manufacturer	Chrysler Australia
Also called	Dodge utility
Production	June 1971 to March 1973
Assembly	Tonsley Park, Australia Pretoria, South Africa
Body and chassis
Body style	4-door sedan 5-door station wagon 2-door hardtop 2-door coupe 2-door coupe utility
Layout	FR layout
Related	Chrysler by Chrysler
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 225 cu in (3.7 L) I6 (South Africa)
Transmission	3spd manual 4spd manual 3spd automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	Sedan: 111 inches (2819 mm)
Length	Sedan: 192.8 inches (4897 mm)
Width	74.2 inches (1885 mm)
Height	Sedan: 55.9 inches (1420 mm)
Curb weight	Hemi 6 Sedan: 3100 lb (1406 kg)
Chronology
Predecessor	Chrysler VG Valiant
Successor	Chrysler VJ Valiant

The Chrysler VH Valiant is an automobile which was produced by Chrysler Australia from June 1971 to March 1973. It replaced the VG series Valiant and was the first Valiant model to be a uniquely Australian design.

The VH series Valiant was offered in the following models.

Sedan and station wagon models were introduced in June 1971, followed by the Charger coupes in August, the coupe utility models in September, and the 2-door hardtops in November.

Chrysler VH Valiant Ranger station wagon

Chrysler VH Valiant Ranger XL sedan

Chrysler VH Valiant Hemi Pacer sedan

Chrysler VH Valiant Regal sedan

Chrysler VH Valiant Regal station wagon

Chrysler Valiant VH Regal Hardtop (with non-standard wheels)

Chrysler VH Valiant Regal 770 sedan

Chrysler Valiant VH Charger R/T E38

Chrysler Valiant VH Charger R/T E49

Chrysler Valiant VH Charger 770SE E55

Dodge VH utility

Chrysler VH Valiant Ranger Utility with Town & Country Pack

The VH Valiant featured an entirely new body which was larger and more roomy than that of its VG series predecessor. The VH Hardtop models used body panels that were made entirely in Australia, unlike the previous VG Hardtops which had used imported sheet metal for all panels rear of the windscreen. The hardtops now rode on a 115-inch wheelbase, 4 inches longer than that on sedans and wagons. The Valiant Charger, which made its debut as part of the VH series used a 105-inch wheelbase.

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). and a 318 cid V8 was also available. A 340 cid V8 was fitted to the Charger 770SE E55 model which was released in October 1972. 3 speed manual and 3 speed automatic transmissions were offered initially with a 4 speed manual available on Charger models from June 1972.

VH Valiants were assembled at Silverton, near Pretoria in South Africa using Australian bodies, electrics and trim and locally sourced mechanical components including a 225 cid engine. Prior to 1971 South African Valiants had been sourced from Canada. Local versions were sold as the Chrysler Valiant Rebel, Rebel 660, Regal, Charger Coupé, and Chrysler VIP. Station wagons were also available of the Rebel and Regal. For 1973 the Dodge SE (for "Special Edition") appeared, a luxury version with different front and rear treatment, vinyl roof, full equipment and a 142 kW (193 PS; 190 hp) version of the slant-six engine. Aside from the six-cylinder engine, the Dodge SE was very similar to the Australian-market Chrysler by Chrysler.