Dave Bennett
Car: Chrysler Valiant VH Charger R/T Hometown: Papakura, Auckland, NZ
What is it?
“It’s a 1973 VH Chrysler Valiant Charger R/T four-speed – one of 60 base model R/Ts made with the four-speed manual gearbox. It is a matching numbers car and one of the last R/T Chargers built, number 1289 out of 1300. It was registered new in New Zealand on April 27, 1973, and has the amber indicator lights and ‘Chrysler by Chrysler’ park lights under the bumper to comply with NZ regulations commencing January 1973.”
When did you buy it?
“August 2016. We had found it for sale but couldn’t get to see it and make an offer for about two weeks as I had to go away on a business trip. Those were the longest two weeks of my life!”
Why did you buy it?
“As a young fella back in the 1980s I lived across the road from a family that owned a couple of Chargers. I loved looking at them and listening to them start up. Enter my ‘mid-life crisis’ years and I really wanted a classic car. A Charger E49 was top of the list; however, as we know, an E49 is virtually unobtainable and somewhat unaffordable now. This R/T popped up for sale and, although not as well-known as the E49s, it is still a rare R/T and was, most importantly, an affordable classic for us. My two kids love it, and it will give us years of enjoyment and be passed down through the family.”
What do you know about its history?
“It’s one of 13 R/T four-speed imported new into New Zealand. It spent some years in the South Island, and we are pretty sure that during that time it had a rebuild due to some accident damage. It was a very straight car though with little rust. It passed into the ownership of a chap who was later sent overseas as part of his job. It got covered up, rego placed on hold, and spent about eight years in storage. The owner needed to free up some money, so he started to make enquiries about selling it.
“That’s where Gary Bridger (NZ Charger guru and co-author of Hey Charger) heard about it and, knowing I was in the market, got in touch with me very quickly. It was a matter of right place at the right time really.”
How does it go?
“It was a strong performer right from the word go – roadworthy although in need of restoration. After the resto it goes beautifully. Everything is back to how it was the day it came out of the factory, with the exception of a retro-sound stereo and some extra soundproo ng for the kids! The team at Short Motors, Peter’s Upholstery and Drury Engine Reconditioners have done wonders with the car. It was nished the day before we were due at the Chrysler R/T Six Pack Owners Club Nationals in New Plymouth – about a ve-hour drive from home. So, I was pretty nervous about setting off on that trip in an untested car. But it went like a dream with no issues at all and it got plenty of likes and the People’s Choice award at the show. One of the great things about a classic car is people’s reactions. I guess it reminds them of a time when life was simpler and less stressed. It gets smiles and waves. So mechanically it goes superbly, and as an object of goodwill it certainly achieves that too!”
Anything you’d like to add?
“Firstly, to Gary Bridger, and all the team members and parts suppliers who worked on this car to bring it back to this standard – my heartfelt thanks. My gorgeous wife Susanne helped me buy the car and we started the restoration together. Unfortunately she passed away last year after a courageous battle with cancer and thus didn’t get to see the car
nished. So nally getting it out and about and winning the People’s Choice award is a tting tribute to her. And it will be her name engraved on the trophy.”