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2012 Shannons Sydney Summer Classic Auction
Lot
4

1966 Valiant VC V8 Wayfarer Utility

PASSED IN

Passed In

Specifications

Engine V8,273cid
Gearbox 3-speed automatic
Body Work Utility
Colour Blue
Interior Cream
Trim Vinyl
Wheels Alloy Cast
Brakes Discs

Description

This lot is no longer available

A one time rival for the dominant Falcons and Holdens, Chrysler's Valiant was launched in 1962 and the 225-cid slant six immediately set the car on a whole new plane of performance, resulting in strong sales. After the R and S-series came the AP5/AP6 before the VC was introduced in March 1966 with new clean-cut bodywork clearly influenced by the latest styling trends in Detroit. Underneath, the VC remained largely unchanged and the slant six could be had either in three-speed manual (with synchro on all gears, a first for the class) or the three-speed Torqueflite automatic transmission. In addition to the sedan and station wagon, the VC buyer looking for more load capacity could opt for the Wayfarer utility, designed and styled locally to suit Australian conditions. Described by Chrysler's advertising as being "The Ute with Hustle, Muscle and Money-Saving Ways", the Wayfarer was priced at $2,128 for the manual or $2,348 for the automatic, the Wayfarer ute proved quite popular with tradesman. Finding a decent example these days is increasingly difficult and exceptionally rare.