CHRYSLER VALIANT CL-CM

THESE VALIANTS WERE COMPETENT BIG FAMILY CARS FOR THE BIG COUNTRY THAT SATISFIED THEIR RUSTED-ON FANS UNTIL THE BITTER END

Looking back at 1976, the VK model Valiant was still doing OK in the fleet-car market and attracting families with its megalithic station wagon. To freshen the experience for committed Valiant owners and maybe attract a few new ones without spending much, Chrysler gifted its CL range a distinctive new grille, some very minor sheet metal changes, bigger tail-lights and a modernised interior. All Valiants now came with four headlamps and radial-ply tyres were standard.

Basic cars were available with high or low-compression versions of the 4.0-litre, ‘hemi’ six, with 4.3 litres optional but standard in the Regal. The long-serving 5.2-litre V8 managed to survive as default engine for the Regal SE and was optional in other versions. Costing almost 40 per cent more than a standard Regal, the SE included air-conditioning, power windows and steering plus a range of comfort and attention-seeking embellishments.

Mid-way through the CL’s model run, Chrysler followed Holden and added a ‘Handling Package’ to all vehicles in the Valiant range. Heavier springs, revised damper rates and alterations to camber and castor settings delivered significant improvements and helped Chrysler keep pace with Holden’s HZ with its ‘Radial Tuned Suspension.’

Chrysler also adopted via its US parent ‘Electronic Lean Burn (ELB) technology which altered spark advance in accordance with a range of variables and improved economy by up to 20 percent.

Further rationalisation accompanied the 1978 arrival of the CM range. These were to be Australia’s last-ever Valiants and survived until 1981 when their spots on Chrysler’s production line were

given over to assembly of the top-selling Sigma.

With the arrival of the CM came news that the Valiant van and utility were gone. Lovers of uniquely Aussie design were sad as well, because slow sales of CL versions ensured there would be no more Chargers. Instead Chrysler announced a ‘sporty’ GLX addition to the four-door range with the 4.3-litre ‘265’ engine and alloy wheels. Most were automatic, with four-speed manual transmission available but rarely-specified.

Combined CL and CM Valiant sales reached almost 50,000 and even though the CM sold in smaller numbers they are easier to find in the current market.

Well-kept examples of the basic Valiant can be found at $10-12,000 but Regals in excellent order can cost more than $20,000. The opulent SE and scarce Le Baron are worth 25-40 per cent more than a basic six-cylinder Regal.