Chrysler Valiant (CL)

The Chrysler Valiant (CL) is an automobile which was produced in Australia by Chrysler Australia from 1976 to 1978. The CL, which was the twelfth Australian Chrysler Valiant model, replaced the Chrysler Valiant (VK). It was also built in South Africa by Sigma, who marketed it there as the Chrysler SE.[3]

Chrysler Valiant (CL)
Chrysler Regal (CL)
Chrysler Charger (CL)
Chrysler Valiant Sedan (CL)
Overview
ManufacturerChrysler Australia
Also calledChrysler SE (South Africa)
ProductionNovember 1976 to October 1978[1]
AssemblyTonsley Park, Australia
Body and chassis
Body style4-door sedan
5-door station wagon
2-door coupé
2-door coupé utility
2-door panel van
LayoutFR layout
Powertrain
Engine
  • 225.0 cu in (3,687 cc) Slant-six I6 (South Africa)
  • 245 cu in (4.0 L) I6[2]
  • 265 cu in (4.3 L) I6[2]
  • 318 cu in (5.2 L) V8[2]
Transmission3/4-speed manual[2]
3-speed automatic[2]
Dimensions
Wheelbase105 (2667 mm) (Charger only)[2]
111 inches (2819 mm) (other models)[2]
Length195.9 inches (4976 mm) (Sedan)[2]
Width74.2 inches (1885 mm)[2]
Height55.4 inches (1407 mm) (Sedan)[2]
Curb weight3172 lb (1439 kg) (Sedan)[2]
Chronology
PredecessorChrysler Valiant (VK)
SuccessorChrysler Valiant (CM)

Changes

The Chrysler CL models featured new grilles, a new nose cone and new bonnet,[1] and, (on sedans), new rear panels including boot lid, lower panel and quarter panel.[1] A panel van body style was added to the range in April 1977.[4]

Model range

The Chrysler CL passenger car range comprised 4 door sedan, 5 door station wagon and 2-door coupe body styles in the following models:

  • Chrysler Valiant Sedan[2]
  • Chrysler Valiant Wagon[2]
  • Chrysler Regal Sedan[2]
  • Chrysler Regal Wagon[2]
  • Chrysler Regal SE Sedan[2]
  • Chrysler Charger 770 Coupe[2]

The Chrysler CL commercial vehicle range comprised a 2-door coupe utility and a 2-door panel van.

  • Chrysler Valiant Utility[2]
  • Chrysler Valiant Panel Van[2]

Regal and Charger models were not designated as Valiants.[2]

  • Chrysler CL Valiant Sedan
  • Chrysler CL Valiant sedan
  • Chrysler CL Valiant wagon
  • Chrysler CL Valiant wagon
  • Chrysler CL Regal sedan
  • Chrysler CL Regal sedan
  • Chrysler CL Regal SE sedan
  • Chrysler CL Charger 770 coupe
  • Chrysler CL Charger 770 coupe
  • Chrysler CL Valiant utility
  • Chrysler CL Valiant utility
  • Chrysler CL Valiant panel van
  • 1977 Chrysler CL Valiant panel van

Limited edition models and option packs
  • A limited edition Chrysler Le Baron luxury model was announced in April 1978.[5] 400 examples were produced.[5]
  • A Charger XL model was available, but only as the K16 Police Pursuit Special with the 318 V8 engine and automatic transmission.[2]
  • A Sports Pack was available for the Panel Van and the Utility as Option A53.[6]
  • A Drifter Pack was offered for the Panel Van[7] and Utility.[8] Models fitted with this option were marketed under the Chrysler Drifter name.[8]
  • A Charger Drifter pack was offered as Option A34 (white) and Option A49 (Impact Orange, Sundance Yellow or Harvest Gold).[6]
  • Chrysler CL Regal Le Baron sedan
  • Chrysler CL Regal Le Baron sedan
  • Chrysler CL Charger XL coupe (K16 Police Pursuit Special)
  • Chrysler CL Charger XL coupe (K16 Police Pursuit Special)
  • Chrysler CL Valiant utility with Sports Pack
  • Chrysler CL Valiant utility with Sports Pack
  • Chrysler CL Valiant panel van with Sports Pack
  • Chrysler CL Valiant panel van with Sports Pack
  • Chrysler CL Valiant utility with Drifter pack
  • Chrysler CL Valiant utility with Drifter pack
  • Chrysler CL Valiant panel van with Drifter pack
  • Chrysler CL Valiant panel van with Drifter pack
  • Chrysler CL Charger coupe with Drifter pack

Engines and transmissions

Three engines were offered:

  • 245 cu in (4.0 L) I6[2]
  • 265 cu in (4.3 L) I6[2]
  • 318 cu in (5.2 L) V8[2]

Four transmissions were offered:

  • 3 speed manual[2]
  • 4 speed manual[2]
  • 3 speed Torquflite automatic (6 cylinder models only)[2]
  • 3 speed TorqueFlite A904 automatic (V8 powered models only)[2]

Production and replacement

32,672 CL models were built[1] prior to the replacement of the CL by the Chrysler Valiant (CM) in 1978.

South Africa
South-African Chrysler SE

In 1978 a model of the CL Regal was introduced in South Africa for local assembly. These cars came equipped with a locally-built four-barrel 225 slant-six producing 120 kW (163 PS; 161 hp). In spite of the engine's impressive "Charger-Power" name, this only sufficed for a top speed of 140.5 km/h (87 mph) in a period road test.[3] While the performance came in for some criticism, fuel economy and brakes received higher marks.[3] The SE only came as a fully equipped model, with the interior and suspension having received some fettling in Detroit prior to Sigma finishing development in South Africa.

References
  1. Chrysler Valiant CL, www.uniquecarsandparts.com.au Retrieved on 17 September 2014
  2. Valiant CL Technical Specifications, www.uniquecarsandparts.com.au Retrieved on 17 September 2014
  3. Wright, Cedric, ed. (September 1978). "Chrysler SE Automatic, by Sigma". CAR (South Africa). Vol. 22 no. 8. Ramsay, Son & Parker (Pty) ltd. pp. 48–51.
  4. Tony Davis, Aussie Cars, 1977, page 147
  5. Gavin Farmer, Great Ideas in Motion, A History of Chrysler in Australia, page 202
  6. Gavin Farmer, Great Ideas in Motion, A History of Chrysler in Australia, page 422
  7. Gavin Farmer, Great Ideas in Motion, A History of Chrysler in Australia, page 200
  8. Sales brochure for Chrysler Drifter
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