1970 Chrysler VG Valiant Regal Hardtop Coupe

Description

Chrysler’s VG Valiant range was launched in 1970, the second and final facelift of the popular VE/VF series and represented an important milestone in the history of Chrysler’s local arm, heralding the arrival of the first Australian Hemi engine to replace the existing slant six.  The 245-cid motor was available in three levels of tune; with a single barrel carburettor it developed 165 horsepower, the twin barrel had 185 horsepower and the potent Pacer came with a four barrel carbie and a very healthy 190 horsepower on tap.  Already synonymous with Chrysler products in the US, the Hemi motor derived its name from the use of hemispherical cylinder head chambers and was, without question, 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.  The Hemi motor was both appreciably lighter and more powerful than the slant six it replaced 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 and public alike.  The VG’s styling was largely carried over from the previous model, although Chrysler updated the design with square headlamps and a new grille, along with minor changes to the rear end.  There was a healthy spread of models on offer, including the entry-level four-door sedan, more upmarket Regal, longer wheelbase VIP, stylish hardtop coupe, Safari station wagon and sporty Pacer complete with unique decals.  The hardtop, with its concave rear glass, was a great looking car and in Regal guise came with a 245 Hemi and three-speed column shift auto as standard, along with chrome wheelarch mouldings, unique hubcaps, special trim, ventilated disc brakes, tinted glass and the option of air conditioning.  By the time production switched to the all-new VH in 1971, some 46,374 VGs had been made in total but the total number of hardtops was much lower and surviving examples have become desirable collector’s items in recent years.