1962 Chrysler Valiant S Series Sedan

Description

Chrysler's first Australian Valiant was launched in January 1962 and like the Falcon, was based on its US counterpart, modified to suit local conditions. The original R-series Valiants sold in Australia were all equipped with Chrysler's powerful 225-cid slant six under the shapely bonnet and the combination of good looks and performance levels well above the comparable Holden and Falcon put the new Valiant in a league of its own. Just over 1,000 were made in three months and all were eagerly snapped up, leaving Chrysler little choice but to follow up with a revised model, the 'S' range in March 1962. As with its predecessor, the baroque 'S' shared its sheet metal and underpinings with the American Valiant, featuring a revised grille, new tail lights and cleaner bootlid that did away with the controversial fake spare wheel cover. Mechanical changes from the R-series included a sealed chassis system - a significant improvement that resulted in fewer lubrication points and longer intervals between changes, upgraded brakes with bigger 9-inch drums, a larger fuel tank giving much longer range and the gear shift (either a three-speed manual or optional Torqueflite automatic) was now located on the steering column. The 145 horsepower slant six continued to provide exemplary performance in comparison to the markedly slower Fords and Holdens and could be ordered with a three-speed manual gearbox or the smooth push-button TorqueFlite auto shift. Unlike the limited production 'R' Series, Chrysler's Australian dealers experienced no supply issues with the 'S' Series and total sales exceeded 10,000 units before the replacement AP5 was introduced in 1963. Both of these first-generation Chrysler Valiants have gone on to enjoy a cult following and remain very popular with collectors and enthusiasts alike today.