CHRYSLER CHARGER 770

OF THE BIG THREE CARS MAKERS IN AUSTRALIA NOBODY EXPECTED CHRYSLER TO PRODUCE THIS STUNNER

During its first decade in Australia’s `family car’ market, Chrysler did little that ranked as especially memorable. Then in 1971, with a chunky two-door design and `Hey Charger’ catch cry, the brand became an overnight sensation. The cars that grabbed the headlines had engine bays brimming with Weber carburettors, but the racy `Six-Pack’ Chargers were too specialised to sell in any quantity. Base-model Chargers with the smallest `Hemi’ six engine and three-on-the-tree gearshift didn’t sell in big numbers either, so Chrysler relied for volume on XL versions and the almost luxurious 770.

At launch in 1971, the VH Charger 770 was available with a 5.2-litre `Fireball’ V8 or two versions of the Hemi `six’. Automatic transmission was standard, with four-speed manual available but rarely chosen.

Standard 770 equipment included carpet, improved seats, an alloy-spoked steering wheel, clock, pressed steel sports wheels and vinyl body accents. Radial-ply tyres cost extra on six-cylinder cars but disc front brakes were mandatory.

‘Wheels’ magazine, in presenting its 1971 `Car of the Year’ award to the Charger, offered the following summation.

“Tastefully padded door trim, good quality carpeting and a generally solid feel about the interior make this a pleasant car to be in as well as drive.”

‘Wheels’ further discovered that the 770 with its standard anti-roll bar delivered ride quality that was “almost in the European class” but the brakes weren’t up to their task.

Cars with the 170kW V8 and automatic transmission took a leisurely 9.6 seconds to reach 60mph (96km/h). The V8 weighed 1430kg against a six-cylinder XL’s 1330kg and consumed fuel at an average of 18.5L/100kms.

VJ and later versions of the Valiant brought minimal change to the 770. As a sign of changing times, VJs came with electronic ignition while the later VK was equipped with a `Fuel Pacer’ – a blinking red light mounted on the driver’s side front mudguard that wagged an electronic finger at those who trod too heavily on the throttle.

From 1976 when the CL range was launched, the only Charger version to survive was the 770. Like other CLs it featured a new grille with centre divider and four headlamps. but additional brightwork and improved seats were the final Charger’s only noticeable differences and not enough to save it from oblivion.

Revised suspension geometry introduced to the Valiant range in April 1978 wasn’t fitted to the Charger either and production ended with the arrival in November of the CM Valiant range.

Shorter drivers may feel a little claustrophobic due to the Charger’s low seating position and limited rear vision. A left-hand door mirror is essential for safe lane changing. The cloth-covered seats fitted to CL-series 770s are more comfortable than the basic buckets supplied with preceding models but still suffer structural problems.

770 versions of the Charger have over the past decade gained popularity and continue to grow in value. Authenticity is key to ongoing value so look for cars that have retained their original colour paint, engine and interior trim. Even in a tightening market these can make close to $100,000.