Chrysler Valiant (VE)

The Chrysler VE Valiant is an automobile that was produced in Australia by Chrysler Australia from 1967 to 1969.[1] It was released in October 1967, replacing the Chrysler VC Valiant.[1] The premium model in the range was renamed Valiant VIP due to the V8 engine becoming an option across the entire range.

Chrysler VE Valiant
Chrysler Valiant sedan
Overview
ManufacturerChrysler Australia
Also calledDodge utility[1]
ProductionOctober 1967 to February 1969[1]
AssemblyTonsley Park, Australia
Body and chassis
Body style4-door sedan[1]
5-door station wagon[1]
2-door coupe utility[1]
LayoutFR layout[1]
Powertrain
Engine225 cu in (3.7 L) I6[1]
273 cu in (4.5 L) V8[1]
Transmission3spd manual[1]
3spd automatic[1]
Dimensions
Wheelbase108.0 inches (2743 mm) (sedan)[1]
Length193.7 inches (4920 mm) (sedan)[1]
Width69.7 inches (1770 mm) (sedan)[1]
Height55.0 inches (1397 mm) (sedan)[1]
Curb weight2950 lb (1338 kg) (sedan)[1]
Chronology
PredecessorChrysler VC Valiant[1]
SuccessorChrysler VF Valiant[1]

Model range

The VE series Valiant was offered in 4-door sedan, 5-door station wagon and 2-door coupe utility models.[1]

  • Valiant sedan[2] (VE-M41)
  • Valiant Safari wagon[2] (VE-M45)
  • Valiant Regal sedan[2] (VE-H41)
  • Valiant Regal Safari wagon[2] (VE-H45)
  • Valiant VIP sedan[3] (VE-P41)
  • Valiant VIP Safari wagon[3] (VE-P45)
  • Valiant utility[1] (VE-L20)
  • Valiant Wayfarer utility[1] (VE-M20)

VE series Valiant and Valiant Wayfarer utility models were introduced in May 1968.[4]

  • Chrysler VE Valiant sedan
  • Chrysler VE Valiant sedan
  • Chrysler VE Valiant Safari wagon
  • Chrysler VE Valiant Safari wagon
  • Chrysler VE Valiant Regal sedan
  • Chrysler VE Valiant Regal sedan
  • Chrysler VE Valiant VIP sedan
  • Chrysler VE Valiant VIP sedan
  • Chrysler VE Valiant utility
  • Chrysler VE Valiant Wayfarer utility with aftermarket canopy (non standard wheels)
  • Chrysler VE Valiant Wayfarer utility with aftermarket canopy (non standard wheels)

Dodge utility

A variant of the Valiant utility was marketed as the Dodge utility.[5] (VE-E20) The Dodge was equipped with painted grille and bumpers[5] unlike the chromed examples fitted to VE Valiants.

Dodge VE utility

Changes

The VE Valiant was larger than any previous Valiant model.[1] Styling was based on that of the US Dodge Dart and Plymouth Valiant models with no body panels carried over from the VC Valiant.[6] Also new in the VE range were dual-line brakes, double-sided safety wheel rims, front safety belts and power-assisted front disc brakes on V8 models.[1] The Valiant VIP was offered for the first time,[1] the new model featuring the V8 engine, automatic transmission, power steering, front disc brakes and reclining front seats.[6]

Engines and transmissions

A 145 bhp 225 cu in (3.7 L) Straight-six, a 160 bhp 225 cu in (3.7 L) "High Performance" Straight-six and a 195 bhp 273 cu in (4.5 L) V8 engine were available, the VE being the first series to be offered with a choice of three engines.[1] Three speed manual and three-speed "Torque-Flite" automatic transmissions were offered.[1] The V8 engine and automatic transmission were standard on the VIP.[3]

Awards

The VE Valiant was announced as the winner of the Wheels magazine Car of the Year award in January 1968.[7]

Window sticker as fitted to VE Valiants after winning the 1968 Wheels Magazine Car of the Year award

Production and replacement

A total of 68,688 VE Valiants were built prior to its replacement by the VF Valiant range in March 1969.[1]

See also

References
  1. Elisabeth Tuckey and Ewan Kennedy, Chrysler Valiant, 1996, pages 47 to 57
  2. Chrysler Australia sales brochure 5/6001015R for VE series Valiant & Valiant Regal sedans and wagons
  3. Chrysler Australia sales brochure for VE series Valiant VIP sedans and wagons
  4. Glass's Dealers Guide, Passenger Vehicle Vales, South Australian and Northedrn Territory Edition, June 1973, page 115
  5. Larry O'Toole, The Good Old Aussie Ute, 2000, page 199
  6. Tony Davis, Aussie Cars, 1987, page 101
  7. Gavin Farmer, Great Ideas in Motion, 2010, page 138
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