CHRYSLER VALIANT VC
THE VC VALIANT WAS IN PRODUCTION FOR JUST 18 MONTHS
The VC Valiant that hit Australian showrooms in 1966 offered a new and more angular shape but sat on a platform unchanged from the previous AP6. Big news in addition to the restyle was confirmation that the V8 engine previously available only to buyers of sedans would also be fitted to Regal wagons in addition to the VC V8 sedan.
In basic form the VC Valiant offered a 3.7-litre, 108kW engine and three-speed manual transmission with synchromesh on every forward gear. Upgrades in line with new safety regulations included windscreen washers and two-speed wipers, front seat-belt mounts and reversing lights.
The Regal added 25 per cent to the price of a basic VC and the extra money included Chrysler’s three-speed Torqueflite automatic transmission that was standard. Also in the mix was a heater/demister with blower fan, satin-trimmed dash and courtesy lights including one in the boot.
The VC V8 was a natural progression from the previous AP6 version. Like the AP6 V8 it wasn’t badged as a Regal and sold as a separate and quite exclusive model. These cars came with a mandatory vinyl-covered roof, separate non-reclining seats, centre console and massive, chromed shift lever for the automatic.
The big black and white steering wheel was an AP6 carry-over but the dash layout and control knobs were new. The V8 Wagon swapped its bucket seats for a bench with armrest and included remote operation of the tail-gate window.
Anyone needing a lot of load-space and some class to accompany it could hop aboard a Wayfarer utility. The name dated back to Chrysler’s Royal-based utes of the 1950s and while not quite that large, the Valiant was roomy and more powerful than a six-cylinder Holden or Ford ute.
The VC Valiant was in production for just on 18 months before the line switched to building up stocks of the VE model. By then, more than 65,000 VCs had been made and it’s likely that less than five per cent of those cars had V8 engines.
Even with the six-cylinder engine these 1960s Valiants were no slug. Manual cars could get very close to 10 seconds for the 0-60mph (0-97km/h) sprint and top speed was more than 160km/h. These were and are a good tow-car too, with lots of torque from very low engine speeds and superior engine braking in low gear than was available from the Holden’s two-speed Powerglide transmission.
MARKET REVIEW
Some years back the VC V8 seemed set for a lunge towards $50,000 but that trend has lost its momentum. A couple of cars sold recently were unremarkable and didn’t reach $30,000. There are some very good examples still in existence though and it’s fair to predict that one of those when sold would reach close to if not better $40,000.
Today’s market is accordingly biased towards the six-cylinder cars and there remains a decent supply in most price segments. Excellent basic cars cost $15-18,000, with six-cylinder Regals at around $25,000. VC wagons are more difficult to find than sedans and utilities very scarce but no dearer than passenger versions.
For parts support and perhaps assistance in locating a good car, join your nearest Chrysler club. These organisations are very active with numerous events and display days in various parts of the nation. They also stock or know sources of spare parts that will keep cars running and contribute to their survival.