1970 Chrysler Valiant VG Regal Coupe

Chrysler's VG Valiant range was launched in 1970 and saw the arrival of the first Australian Hemi engine, replacing the old slant six. The 245-cid engine was available in three levels of tune, the single barrel developing 165 hp, the twin barrel 185 hp and the potent Pacer, which came with a four barrel carbie and 190 hp on tap. Already synonymous with Chrysler products in the States, the Hemi motor derived its name from the use of hemispherical cylinder head chambers and went a long way to restoring the performance advantage enjoyed by earlier Valiants over the contemporary Holdens and Fords, earning plaudits from the motoring press. The Hemi 245 motor was, without doubt, the most advanced engine produced in Australia at the time, the oversquare design incorporating hydraulic tappets and a seven bearing crankshaft with hydraulic valve lifters and was both lighter and more powerful than the slant six it replaced. The styling of the VG was largely carried over from the VE/VF series, although Chrysler updated the look with square headlamps and a new grille, along with minor changes to the rear end. There was a choice of models, including a base four-door sedan, more upmarket Regal and longer wheelbase VIP, the hardtop coupe, Safari station wagon and sporty Pacer, complete with unique decals. By the time production switched to the VH in 1971, some 46,374 VGs had been made in total, of which relatively few were hardtops and these have since become quite desirable.