Plymouth Valiant - Revision history

Red marquis at 06:53, 3 August 2009

2009-08-03T06:53:30Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 06:53, 3 August 2009
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			[[Image:valiant-1963.jpg\|frame\|'''1963 Plymouth Valiant''']]
	The '''Plymouth Valiant''' was one of the most popular sedans in the United States for nearly 20 years. Launched as a 1960 model just as Detroit was rediscovering the small car, the Valiant earned a following with its efficient slant-six engine and cool styling. The Valiant went through four generations, spinning off popular variants like the [[Plymouth Duster\|Duster]] and the [[Plymouth Barracuda\|Barracuda]], before being replaced in 1976 by the [[Plymouth Volare]].		The '''Plymouth Valiant''' was one of the most popular sedans in the United States for nearly 20 years. Launched as a 1960 model just as Detroit was rediscovering the small car, the Valiant earned a following with its efficient slant-six engine and cool styling. The Valiant went through four generations, spinning off popular variants like the [[Plymouth Duster\|Duster]] and the [[Plymouth Barracuda\|Barracuda]], before being replaced in 1976 by the [[Plymouth Volare]].

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	Thanks to its high volume (4 million sold) and reliable engine, there are still quite a few Valiants on the streets (or at least in the driveways) today.		Thanks to its high volume (4 million sold) and reliable engine, there are still quite a few Valiants on the streets (or at least in the driveways) today.

	~~[[Image:valiant-1963.jpg\|frame\|'''1963 Plymouth Valiant''']]~~

	===Gas Mileage===		===Gas Mileage===
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	==Australia (1971–81)==		==Australia (1971–81)==
	{{main ~~article~~\|Chrysler Valiant}}		{{main articles\|Chrysler Valiant}}
	{{main ~~article~~\|Valiant Charger}}		{{main articles\|Valiant Charger}}

	While generally following the progress of the American Valiant throughout the 1960s, Chrysler Australia became increasingly dissatified with the car's styling direction, which was becoming more box-like with each facelift. The result was that for the 1970s, [[Chrysler Australia]] developed the whole car locally, particularly from the 1971 VH model. Production continued through the CM model (released in 1979) which production ended in 1981.		While generally following the progress of the American Valiant throughout the 1960s, Chrysler Australia became increasingly dissatified with the car's styling direction, which was becoming more box-like with each facelift. The result was that for the 1970s, [[Chrysler Australia]] developed the whole car locally, particularly from the 1971 VH model. Production continued through the CM model (released in 1979) which production ended in 1981.

Red marquis at 06:47, 3 August 2009

2009-08-03T06:47:09Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 06:47, 3 August 2009
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	Thanks to its high volume (4 million sold) and reliable engine, there are still quite a few Valiants on the streets (or at least in the driveways) today.		Thanks to its high volume (4 million sold) and reliable engine, there are still quite a few Valiants on the streets (or at least in the driveways) today.

	[[Image:valiant-1963.jpg\|frame\|'''1963 Plymouth Valiant ~~- The Prince of Cars~~''']]		[[Image:valiant-1963.jpg\|frame\|'''1963 Plymouth Valiant''']]

	===Gas Mileage===		===Gas Mileage===
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	===Styling===		===Styling===
	The first Valiant made a big splash in large part because of its distinctive styling. Chrysler design chief Virgil Exner gave the Valiant a sporty but not muscle-car look that appealed to male and female shoppers alike, although even a Plymouth dealer at the time said it was a look "that took some getting used to". One owner reminisced about her beloved "Cricket" -- probably referring to the angled lines sculpted onto the front and rear fenders of the Valiant's first generation, as well as to the light-green color available on the 1960 model (although the Chrysler engineers preferred to call it "Kitchen Green"). Another signature feature was what owners affectionately called the "Toilet Seat", a raised circle on the back hood that made it look like there was a [http://www.virtual-museum.net/plymouth-valiant/images/gallery/1960/pvvm_1960-valiant-100-4d-sedan__02.jpg spare tire] just underneath (there wasn't).		The first Valiant made a big splash in large part because of its distinctive styling. Chrysler design chief [[Virgil Exner]] gave the Valiant a sporty but not muscle-car look that appealed to male and female shoppers alike, although even a Plymouth dealer at the time said it was a look "that took some getting used to". One owner reminisced about her beloved "Cricket" -- probably referring to the angled lines sculpted onto the front and rear fenders of the Valiant's first generation, as well as to the light-green color available on the 1960 model (although the Chrysler engineers preferred to call it "Kitchen Green"). Another signature feature was what owners affectionately called the "Toilet Seat", a raised circle on the back hood that made it look like there was a [http://www.virtual-museum.net/plymouth-valiant/images/gallery/1960/pvvm_1960-valiant-100-4d-sedan__02.jpg spare tire] just underneath (there wasn't).

	Ensuing generations of the core Valiant were not as radically different from the competition; beginnning in 1964, corporate's design creativity went more into trims and spinoffs like the Duster, Scamp and the Barracuda, each of which made a splash of its own thanks to distinctive styling.		Ensuing generations of the core Valiant were not as radically different from the competition; beginnning in 1964, corporate's design creativity went more into trims and spinoffs like the Duster, Scamp and the Barracuda, each of which made a splash of its own thanks to distinctive styling.
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	The first '''Valiant''' appeared in 1959 as a 1960 model, and it wasn't a Plymouth, it was a stand-alone brand -- advertised as the "Valiant by Chrysler Corp". Chrysler, like GM and Ford, had been neglecting the small-car market for years, and all three companies invested heavily in new models for 1960. GM's entry was the Chevy Corvair, Ford's the Ford Falcon.		The first '''Valiant''' appeared in 1959 as a 1960 model, and it wasn't a Plymouth, it was a stand-alone brand -- advertised as the "Valiant by Chrysler Corp". Chrysler, like GM and Ford, had been neglecting the small-car market for years, and all three companies invested heavily in new models for 1960. GM's entry was the Chevy Corvair, Ford's the Ford Falcon.

	The Valiant was less mechanically radical than the Corvair, which had an [[air-cooled]] rear-mounted engine. It was considered more daring than the also-new [[Ford Falcon]], however. The Falcon was totally conventional, while the Valiant boasted fairly radical styling and a new engine configuration, the famous [[Slant-6]] engine, which had its cylinders inline but canted 30° to one side. This allowed a lower hoodline, a shorter overall engine (the water pump was now mounted alongside instead of up front), and efficient, long-branch individual-runner intake and exhaust manifolds. The 170 in³ engine gained a reputation for durability and dependability, partly due to the fact that the engine design was specifically engineered to support either an aluminum or a cast-iron block. Somewhat more than 50,000 die-cast aluminum versions of the larger 225 in³ version of the engine were produced between late 1961 and early 1963. With a "Hyper-Pak" dealer tuning kit, the Valiants were sigificantly faster and quicker than any of their competitors. Even European imports and V8 models were trounced by the Valiants at [[NASCAR]]'s inaugral compact stock-car race at Daytona (FL). The eight Valiants entered in this race in 1960 placed 1st through 8th; after a repeat performance in 1961, NASCAR quietly cancelled the series.		The Valiant was less mechanically radical than the Corvair, which had an air-cooled rear-mounted engine. It was considered more daring than the also-new [[Ford Falcon]], however. The Falcon was totally conventional, while the Valiant boasted fairly radical styling and a new engine configuration, the famous [[Slant-6]] engine, which had its cylinders inline but canted 30° to one side. This allowed a lower hoodline, a shorter overall engine (the water pump was now mounted alongside instead of up front), and efficient, long-branch individual-runner intake and exhaust manifolds. The 170 in³ engine gained a reputation for durability and dependability, partly due to the fact that the engine design was specifically engineered to support either an aluminum or a cast-iron block. Somewhat more than 50,000 die-cast aluminum versions of the larger 225 in³ version of the engine were produced between late 1961 and early 1963. With a "Hyper-Pak" dealer tuning kit, the Valiants were sigificantly faster and quicker than any of their competitors. Even European imports and V8 models were trounced by the Valiants at [[NASCAR]]'s inaugral compact stock-car race at Daytona (FL). The eight Valiants entered in this race in 1960 placed 1st through 8th; after a repeat performance in 1961, NASCAR quietly cancelled the series.

	For [[1961]], the Valiant was assigned to [[Plymouth automobile\|Plymouth]], while [[Dodge]]'s 1961 version was called the [[Dodge Lancer\|Lancer]]. The first generation Valiant and Lancer rode on a 106.5 in (2705 mm) wheelbase.The 1960 Valiant was also a Chrysler Engineering exhibition of their leadership in aluminum die-casting. While the aluminum [[slant-6]] engine block wouldn't make it to production until 1961, the 1960 oil pump, water pump, new alternator, intake manifold, [[Automatic transmission\|automatic]] transmission case and extension, and a myriad small parts were all made of aluminum.		For 1961, the Valiant was assigned to [[Plymouth automobile\|Plymouth]], while [[Dodge]]'s 1961 version was called the [[Dodge Lancer\|Lancer]]. The first generation Valiant and Lancer rode on a 106.5 in (2705 mm) wheelbase.The 1960 Valiant was also a Chrysler Engineering exhibition of their leadership in aluminum die-casting. While the aluminum [[slant-6]] engine block wouldn't make it to production until 1961, the 1960 oil pump, water pump, new alternator, intake manifold, [[Automatic transmission\|automatic]] transmission case and extension, and a myriad small parts were all made of aluminum.

	Chrysler marketed Valiants at both Dodge and Plymouth dealers in [[Canada]] from [[1960]] to [[1966]] as a stand alone product. The [[1960]] to [[1962]] Canadian Valiants were substantially similar to the American-made cars, except the trunklid had a '''by Chrysler''' instead of a '''Plymouth''' badge. There were minor differences in interior and exterior trim, and the [[alternator]] that had made its much-ballyhooed industry debut as standard equipment on the American-market 1960 Valiant remained an extra-cost option in Canada through 1962. A carburetor anti-frost system, engine block heater, battery warmer, electric car interior heater and other cold-climate items were available as factory and/or dealer-installed options, while air conditioning, which was first offered in the US 1961 models, was not made available North of the border until 1966. Some Canadian-made Auto-Lite (now [[Prestolite]]) electrical components were used in lieu of the Chrysler-built components installed on American-built cars. Chrysler Canada's Windsor, Ontario plant was also the source for left- and right-hand-drive export Valiants.		Chrysler marketed Valiants at both Dodge and Plymouth dealers in Canada from 1960 to 1966 as a stand alone product. The 1960 to 1962 Canadian Valiants were substantially similar to the American-made cars, except the trunklid had a '''by Chrysler''' instead of a '''Plymouth''' badge. There were minor differences in interior and exterior trim, and the [[alternator]] that had made its much-ballyhooed industry debut as standard equipment on the American-market 1960 Valiant remained an extra-cost option in Canada through 1962. A carburetor anti-frost system, engine block heater, battery warmer, electric car interior heater and other cold-climate items were available as factory and/or dealer-installed options, while air conditioning, which was first offered in the US 1961 models, was not made available North of the border until 1966. Some Canadian-made Auto-Lite (now [[Prestolite]]) electrical components were used in lieu of the Chrysler-built components installed on American-built cars. Chrysler Canada's Windsor, Ontario plant was also the source for left- and right-hand-drive export Valiants.

	In 1961, Plymouth offered a "Dixie Special" version of the Valiant, "painted Confederate Gray metallic and sporting a symbol on the door commemorating the War Between the States", according to the [http://www.plymouthbulletin.com Plymouth Bulletin].		In 1961, Plymouth offered a "Dixie Special" version of the Valiant, "painted Confederate Gray metallic and sporting a symbol on the door commemorating the War Between the States", according to the [http://www.plymouthbulletin.com Plymouth Bulletin].
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	The Valiant was totally reskinned for 1963, with a ½ in (12.7 mm) shorter 106 in (2692 mm) wheelbase. The Valiant was successful, and as was the usual Detroit practice, several different models were spun off it. The Dodge Lancer, which had appeared in 1961, was discontinued, and the Valiant's new Dodge counterpart became the '''[[Dodge Dart\|Dart]]''', the name of which was recycled for the A-body platform. With this redesign, and it rode on a longer 111 in (2819 mm) wheelbase. The '''[[Plymouth Barracuda]]''', considered by some to be the first [[pony car]], was built off the Valiant platform in 1964. This generation featured a station wagon version, but this bodystyle was not continued in 1967. Also manufactured for the 1963 through 1966 model years was a five passenger convertible.		The Valiant was totally reskinned for 1963, with a ½ in (12.7 mm) shorter 106 in (2692 mm) wheelbase. The Valiant was successful, and as was the usual Detroit practice, several different models were spun off it. The Dodge Lancer, which had appeared in 1961, was discontinued, and the Valiant's new Dodge counterpart became the '''[[Dodge Dart\|Dart]]''', the name of which was recycled for the A-body platform. With this redesign, and it rode on a longer 111 in (2819 mm) wheelbase. The '''[[Plymouth Barracuda]]''', considered by some to be the first [[pony car]], was built off the Valiant platform in 1964. This generation featured a station wagon version, but this bodystyle was not continued in 1967. Also manufactured for the 1963 through 1966 model years was a five passenger convertible.

	For [[1963]], the Canadian Valiant used the Dodge Dart body with a Valiant front clip. This continued for [[1964]]. For [[1965]], Chrysler Canada sold both the 106 in (2692 mm) wheelbase Valiant and the 111 in (2819 mm) wheelbase Dart as Valiants, with all using the Dart dashboard. For 1966 the Valiant was based on the Dart. With the coming of the US-Canada auto trade agreement in 1965, Chrysler could ship cars and parts both ways over the border and in 1967 began importing Plymouth Valiants and Dodge Darts from Detroit.		For 1963, the Canadian Valiant used the Dodge Dart body with a Valiant front clip. This continued for 1964. For 1965, Chrysler Canada sold both the 106 in (2692 mm) wheelbase Valiant and the 111 in (2819 mm) wheelbase Dart as Valiants, with all using the Dart dashboard. For 1966 the Valiant was based on the Dart. With the coming of the US-Canada auto trade agreement in 1965, Chrysler could ship cars and parts both ways over the border and in 1967 began importing Plymouth Valiants and Dodge Darts from Detroit.

	The Barracuda was built in Canada in 1964 and 1965 and imported for 1966. But it was sold as a Valiant, not Plymouth. The imported 1966 Barracuda did not have Plymouth nameplates on the trunk as the American market version did. The 1965 Barracuda also used the Dart dashboard.		The Barracuda was built in Canada in 1964 and 1965 and imported for 1966. But it was sold as a Valiant, not Plymouth. The imported 1966 Barracuda did not have Plymouth nameplates on the trunk as the American market version did. The 1965 Barracuda also used the Dart dashboard.
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	With these cars Chrysler took 40% of the total American compact market in the early 1970s. They also enjoyed considerable success in foreign markets, where they were often assembled by Chrysler affiliates or subsidiaries. 1970 was also the first year that the successful 340 in³ V8 engine would be installed in a Valiant-badged car (the Duster 340). 1970 was the only year that the Duster was called the "Valiant Duster" - in 1971 it became simply Duster.		With these cars Chrysler took 40% of the total American compact market in the early 1970s. They also enjoyed considerable success in foreign markets, where they were often assembled by Chrysler affiliates or subsidiaries. 1970 was also the first year that the successful 340 in³ V8 engine would be installed in a Valiant-badged car (the Duster 340). 1970 was the only year that the Duster was called the "Valiant Duster" - in 1971 it became simply Duster.

	The Valiant would also achieve worldwide movie fame in the 1971 road rage thriller ''[[Duel ~~(movie)\|Duel]]~~'', directed by the then unknown [[Steven Spielberg]]. A 1970 Plymouth Valiant was also featured prominently in [[Howard Stern]]'s autobiographical 1997 movie [[Private Parts]].		The Valiant would also achieve worldwide movie fame in the 1971 road rage thriller ''Duel'', directed by the then unknown Steven Spielberg. A 1970 Plymouth Valiant was also featured prominently in Howard Stern's autobiographical 1997 movie Private Parts.

	Engine choices for the 1967 Valiant consisted of the 170, 198 and 225 cid Slant-6s, and the 273 V8 in 2 or 4bbl guise. In 1968 the 273 was replaced by the 318 2bbl, and remained available until the car's end in 1976. In 1970 the 170 was dropped, leaving the 198 as the base engine but found in very few examples (the 225 was a far more popular choice).		Engine choices for the 1967 Valiant consisted of the 170, 198 and 225 cid Slant-6s, and the 273 V8 in 2 or 4bbl guise. In 1968 the 273 was replaced by the 318 2bbl, and remained available until the car's end in 1976. In 1970 the 170 was dropped, leaving the 198 as the base engine but found in very few examples (the 225 was a far more popular choice).
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	==Australia (1971–81)==		==Australia (1971–81)==
	{{main ~~articles~~\|[[Chrysler Valiant~~]] and [[~~Valiant Charger]]}}		{{main article\|Chrysler Valiant}}
			{{main article\|Valiant Charger}}

	While generally following the progress of the American Valiant throughout the 1960s, Chrysler Australia became increasingly dissatified with the car's styling direction, which was becoming more box-like with each facelift. The result was that for the 1970s, [[Chrysler Australia]] developed the whole car locally, particularly from the 1971 VH model. Production continued through the CM model (released in 1979) which production ended in 1981.		While generally following the progress of the American Valiant throughout the 1960s, Chrysler Australia became increasingly dissatified with the car's styling direction, which was becoming more box-like with each facelift. The result was that for the 1970s, [[Chrysler Australia]] developed the whole car locally, particularly from the 1971 VH model. Production continued through the CM model (released in 1979) which production ended in 1981.

68.7.9.98: /* External links */

2009-08-01T22:31:53Z

External links

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:31, 1 August 2009
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	*[http://www.plymouthbulletin.com/ Plymouth Bulletin]		*[http://www.plymouthbulletin.com/ Plymouth Bulletin]
	*[http://www.allpar.com/squads/police-cars/valiant.html Allpar Blotter on the Valiant's Popularity as a Police Car]		*[http://www.allpar.com/squads/police-cars/valiant.html Allpar Blotter on the Valiant's Popularity as a Police Car]
			*[http://www.earlyplymouths.com/ Early Plymouth]

77.68.118.114: /* Photos */

2009-04-02T04:02:02Z

Photos

← Older revision		Revision as of 04:02, 2 April 2009
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	===Photos===		===Photos===
	[http://www.virtual-museum.net/plymouth-valiant/~~GenEnTimelineTable~~.html Virtual-Museum's Valiant Timetable] has lots of photo links		[http://www.virtual-museum.net/plymouth-valiant/GenEnTimeline.html Virtual-Museum's Valiant Timetable] has lots of photo links

	[http://www.virtual-museum.net/plymouth-valiant/GenEnShowcase.html Virtual-Museum's collection of Valiant owner photos]		[http://www.virtual-museum.net/plymouth-valiant/GenEnShowcase.html Virtual-Museum's collection of Valiant owner photos]

Yankee: /* 1967-1973 */

2008-01-09T22:36:26Z

1967-1973

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:36, 9 January 2008
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	==1967-1973==		==1967-1973==
	The Valiant reached its greatest heights after a total redesign in 1967, with the wheelbase now 108 in (2743 mm). The station wagon model was dropped, leaving only the 2 and 4-door sedans. This generation acquired an excellent mechanical reputation and produced such hot-selling variants as the 1970-1976 '''[[Plymouth Duster\|Plymouth Valiant Duster]]'''/'''Dodge Dart Swinger''', 1971-1976 '''Plymouth Scamp''' and 1971-1972 '''Dodge Demon'''. There was a '''Dodge Demon''' for 1971 and 1972, and a '''Dodge Dart Sport''' from 1973 to 1976. Chrysler's ponycars, the [[Dodge Challenger]] and [[Plymouth Barracuda]], used a modified version of the Valiant architecture.		The Valiant reached its greatest heights after a total redesign in 1967, with the wheelbase now 108 in (2743 mm). The station wagon model was dropped, leaving only the 2 and 4-door sedans. This generation acquired an excellent mechanical reputation and produced such hot-selling variants as the 1970-1976 '''[[Plymouth Duster\|Plymouth Valiant Duster]]'''/'''Dodge Dart Swinger''', 1971-1976 '''Plymouth Scamp''' and 1971-1972 '''Dodge Demon'''. There was a '''[[Dodge Demon]]''' for 1971 and 1972, and a '''Dodge Dart Sport''' from 1973 to 1976. Chrysler's ponycars, the [[Dodge Challenger]] and [[Plymouth Barracuda]], used a modified version of the Valiant architecture.

	With these cars Chrysler took 40% of the total American compact market in the early 1970s. They also enjoyed considerable success in foreign markets, where they were often assembled by Chrysler affiliates or subsidiaries. 1970 was also the first year that the successful 340 in³ V8 engine would be installed in a Valiant-badged car (the Duster 340). 1970 was the only year that the Duster was called the "Valiant Duster" - in 1971 it became simply Duster.		With these cars Chrysler took 40% of the total American compact market in the early 1970s. They also enjoyed considerable success in foreign markets, where they were often assembled by Chrysler affiliates or subsidiaries. 1970 was also the first year that the successful 340 in³ V8 engine would be installed in a Valiant-badged car (the Duster 340). 1970 was the only year that the Duster was called the "Valiant Duster" - in 1971 it became simply Duster.

Yankee at 22:33, 9 January 2008

2008-01-09T22:33:38Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:33, 9 January 2008
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	The '''Plymouth Valiant''' was one of the most popular sedans in the United States for nearly 20 years. Launched as a 1960 model just as Detroit was rediscovering the small car, the Valiant earned a following with its efficient slant-six engine and cool styling. The Valiant went through four generations, spinning off popular variants like the [[Plymouth Duster\|Duster]] and the [[Plymouth Barracuda\|Barracuda]], before being replaced in ~~1977~~ by the [[Plymouth Volare]].		The '''Plymouth Valiant''' was one of the most popular sedans in the United States for nearly 20 years. Launched as a 1960 model just as Detroit was rediscovering the small car, the Valiant earned a following with its efficient slant-six engine and cool styling. The Valiant went through four generations, spinning off popular variants like the [[Plymouth Duster\|Duster]] and the [[Plymouth Barracuda\|Barracuda]], before being replaced in 1976 by the [[Plymouth Volare]].

	The Valiant was a hit overseas, as well. [[Plymouth]] was part of [[Chrysler]] back in the early 60s, and the Valiant was actually marketed as the [[Chrysler Valiant]] in Australia, South Africa, the UK and New Zealand, lasting until 1981 in those countries.		The Valiant was a hit overseas, as well. [[Plymouth]] was part of [[Chrysler]] back in the early 60s, and the Valiant was actually marketed as the [[Chrysler Valiant]] in Australia, South Africa, the UK and New Zealand, lasting until 1981 in those countries.

Red marquis: /* Australia (1971–81) */

2007-09-01T01:20:32Z

Australia (1971–81)

← Older revision		Revision as of 01:20, 1 September 2007
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	==Australia (1971–81)==		==Australia (1971–81)==
	{{main articles [[Chrysler Valiant]] and [[Valiant Charger]]}}		{{main articles\|[[Chrysler Valiant]] and [[Valiant Charger]]}}
	While generally following the progress of the American Valiant throughout the 1960s, Chrysler Australia became increasingly dissatified with the car's styling direction, which was becoming more box-like with each facelift. The result was that for the 1970s, [[Chrysler Australia]] developed the whole car locally, particularly from the 1971 VH model. Production continued through the CM model (released in 1979) which production ended in 1981.		While generally following the progress of the American Valiant throughout the 1960s, Chrysler Australia became increasingly dissatified with the car's styling direction, which was becoming more box-like with each facelift. The result was that for the 1970s, [[Chrysler Australia]] developed the whole car locally, particularly from the 1971 VH model. Production continued through the CM model (released in 1979) which production ended in 1981.

Red marquis: /* Australia (1971–81) */

2007-09-01T01:17:53Z

Australia (1971–81)

← Older revision		Revision as of 01:17, 1 September 2007
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	==Australia (1971–81)==		==Australia (1971–81)==
	{{main articles\|[[Chrysler Valiant]] and [[Valiant Charger]]}}		{{main articles [[Chrysler Valiant]] and [[Valiant Charger]]}}
	While generally following the progress of the American Valiant throughout the 1960s, Chrysler Australia became increasingly dissatified with the car's styling direction, which was becoming more box-like with each facelift. The result was that for the 1970s, [[Chrysler Australia]] developed the whole car locally, particularly from the 1971 VH model. Production continued through the CM model (released in 1979) which production ended in 1981.		While generally following the progress of the American Valiant throughout the 1960s, Chrysler Australia became increasingly dissatified with the car's styling direction, which was becoming more box-like with each facelift. The result was that for the 1970s, [[Chrysler Australia]] developed the whole car locally, particularly from the 1971 VH model. Production continued through the CM model (released in 1979) which production ended in 1981.

Red marquis at 01:11, 1 September 2007

2007-09-01T01:11:23Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 01:11, 1 September 2007
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	~~By Stanley Holt~~		The '''Plymouth Valiant''' was one of the most popular sedans in the United States for nearly 20 years. Launched as a 1960 model just as Detroit was rediscovering the small car, the Valiant earned a following with its efficient slant-six engine and cool styling. The Valiant went through four generations, spinning off popular variants like the [[Plymouth Duster\|Duster]] and the [[Plymouth Barracuda\|Barracuda]], before being replaced in 1977 by the [[Plymouth Volare]].

	The Plymouth Valiant was one of the most popular sedans in the United States for nearly 20 years. Launched as a 1960 model just as Detroit was rediscovering the small car, the Valiant earned a following with its efficient slant-six engine and cool styling. The Valiant went through four generations, spinning off popular variants like the Duster and the Barracuda, before being replaced in 1977 by the Plymouth Volare.		The Valiant was a hit overseas, as well. [[Plymouth]] was part of [[Chrysler]] back in the early 60s, and the Valiant was actually marketed as the [[Chrysler Valiant]] in Australia, South Africa, the UK and New Zealand, lasting until 1981 in those countries.

	The Valiant was a hit overseas, as well. Plymouth was part of Chrysler back in the early 60s, and the Valiant was actually marketed as the Chrysler Valiant in Australia, South Africa, the UK and New Zealand, lasting until 1981 in those countries.

	Thanks to its high volume (4 million sold) and reliable engine, there are still quite a few Valiants on the streets (or at least in the driveways) today.		Thanks to its high volume (4 million sold) and reliable engine, there are still quite a few Valiants on the streets (or at least in the driveways) today.
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	==Design quirks and oddities==		==Design quirks and oddities==
	At launch, the Valiant's exterior design was notable for what it didn't have: fins. Detroit had been slapping fins on cars throughout the 1950s, and, at least in retrospect, observers felt that car-buyers were "finned out".		At launch, the Valiant's exterior design was notable for what it didn't have: fins. Detroit had been slapping fins on cars throughout the 1950s, and, at least in retrospect, observers felt that car-buyers were "finned out".

	Under the hood, the big news was a new engine configuration, the famous Slant-6, whose cylinders were inline but tilted 30 degrees. This allowed a lower hoodline and a shorter overall engine that also became known for durability.		Under the hood, the big news was a new engine configuration, the famous Slant-6, whose cylinders were inline but tilted 30 degrees. This allowed a lower hoodline and a shorter overall engine that also became known for durability.

			==See Also==
			{{Plymouth}}


	==References==		==References==
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	*[http://www.allpar.com/squads/police-cars/valiant.html Allpar Blotter on the Valiant's Popularity as a Police Car]		*[http://www.allpar.com/squads/police-cars/valiant.html Allpar Blotter on the Valiant's Popularity as a Police Car]

	~~{{Plymouth}}~~

	[[Category:Compact cars]]		[[Category:Compact cars]]
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	[[Category:1960s Automobiles]]		[[Category:1960s Automobiles]]
	[[Category:1970s Automobiles]]		[[Category:1970s Automobiles]]

	~~[[sv:Plymouth Valiant]]~~

207.212.173.2 at 18:53, 31 August 2007

2007-08-31T18:53:02Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:53, 31 August 2007
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			By Stanley Holt

	The Plymouth Valiant was one of the most popular sedans in the United States for nearly 20 years. Launched as a 1960 model just as Detroit was rediscovering the small car, the Valiant earned a following with its efficient slant-six engine and cool styling. The Valiant went through four generations, spinning off popular variants like the Duster and the Barracuda, before being replaced in 1977 by the Plymouth Volare.		The Plymouth Valiant was one of the most popular sedans in the United States for nearly 20 years. Launched as a 1960 model just as Detroit was rediscovering the small car, the Valiant earned a following with its efficient slant-six engine and cool styling. The Valiant went through four generations, spinning off popular variants like the Duster and the Barracuda, before being replaced in 1977 by the Plymouth Volare.