1973 Chrysler VH Charger XL 245 Coupe

Description

An Aussie muscle car icon, the Charger was launched in August 1971 as a fastback version of the VH Valiant to the cries of “Hey, Charger!” (a phrase coined by its advertising campaign) and proved an instant hit. Buyers couldn’t get enough of the sporty newcomer and Charger sales quickly accounted for roughly 50 per cent of all Valiant production. Matching the Valiant sedans, the VH Charger line-up consisted of the base model, XL and more upmarket 770, a luxury sports coupe aimed squarely at Holden’s Monaro LS. It was the XL that proved the most popular among buyers, offering a great combination of equipment, performance and looks at an affordable price. Standard features included a Hemi 245ci six mated to either a floor-mounted manual gearbox or column-shift auto, along with ventilated front disc brakes. With a two-barrel carbie set-up, the Hemi was rated at a healthy 165 horsepower and 235 lbs/ft of torque, while a larger 265ci motor was part of the extensive options list. Front bucket seats, full carpeting and remotely adjustable exterior mirror were also features found on the XL Charger, while the external appearance was enhanced with styled steel wheels shod with 6.95x14in whitewall tyres, plus chrome wheel arch and sill mouldings. The Charger has become an Aussie legend and highly desirable, with good examples particularly collectible today.