Category: Chrysler

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CHRYSLER VALIANT DRIFTER

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  The Chrysler Valiant panel van was launched in Australia in April 1977. Although no-one knew it at the time, this would be the last new Valiant model produced by Chrysler in Australia. By the time the CL Valiant rolled around, the panel van market was booming. Between 1971 and 1976 sales of panel vans had doubled, due mainly to lower sales tax on these vehicles which were classified as commercials. When the Valiant panel van arrived on the scene, this market section accounted for 18.5 per cent of total… Read more

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CHRYSLER 300C 2005 – 2020

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Big, bold and uncompromisingly different, the Chrysler 300C arrived in Australia from the US of A in November 2005. From its huge egg-crate grille flanked by twin round headlights, over the almost chop-top look of the roof, to the very square boot, this Chrysler stands out from all other family cars. That’s right! ‘family cars’ because that’s what the 300C is – a spacious, practical four-door sedan and station wagon with good cabin space and a huge boot. It was aimed at making being a competitor in the Commodore versus… Read more

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CHRYSLER AIRFLOW

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After World War I the automobile soon became a dominant part of people’s lifestyles and with its increasing importance the automobile itself was undergoing rapid change. The 1930s began with flared mudguards, wide, vertical grilles and running boards but by the end of the decade, mudguards began to merge integrally into the bodies of most cars, and grilles began to narrow, while windscreens began to attain a backward slope previously only seen on sportscars. In 1934 when Chrysler introduced the Airflow it soon became known as one of the ugliest… Read more

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CHRYSLER VALIANT VH

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With the VH series, released in June 1971, Chrysler at last gave Valiant buyers a uniquely Australian design. The new model was wider than the previous (VG) model and with its extended wheelbase it looked enormous, despite the fact that, at 4900 mm, it was only a fraction longer than before. The VH Valiant’s cleaner and more rounded lines were enhanced by a reduction in body decoration. The front parking lights and turning indicator lights were moulded to fit flushly above a curved front bumper bar. A hatch-type bonnet was… Read more

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VALIANT AP5

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The introduction of the AP5 Valiant in May 1963 was timed perfectly with Chrysler’s strengthening presence in the Australian market. A few months before, the car maker had decided to take the plunge and started stamping panels and dies at a brand new plant in South Australia. By the time the AP5 arrived, it was no longer a case of local assembly. Chrysler was now building the cars and the level of American content had dropped dramatically. Chrysler’s investment in the Australian market was growing almost by the month. With… Read more

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CHRYSLER VALIANT R-SERIES

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The R Series Valiant was a sensation – a family sedan which could almost touch 100 mph (161 km/h) and run the standing quarter mile in well under 19 seconds. Despite its foreign antecedents (the R Series was assembled from US parts), the Valiant incorporated modifications for Australia. And within ten years the marque would be wholly made in Australia and bear no resemblance to US models. Local planning on the Valiant started in early 1961. To gain a marketing edge over Holden and Falcon, Chrysler Australia opted for the… Read more

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CHRYSLER 300 SRT PACER

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Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of an Australian motoring icon, the 1969 Valiant Pacer, Chrysler Australia has announced details of the Chrysler 300 SRT Pacer. Paying homage to the original Valiant Pacer, the Chrysler 300 SRT Pacer will be available in an exclusive run of just 50 units across three colours, Bright White, Gloss Black and Ceramic Grey. The Chrysler 300 SRT Pacer is based on the Chrysler 300 SRT Core. Inspired by the Valiant’s black and red horizontal front grille, the Chrysler 300 SRT Pacer features a black and red… Read more

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VALIANT CM REGAL

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Launched in November 1978 the CM Valiant gained all the improvements of the models before it, yet ironically it was the last of a breed. Chrysler had perfected things such as the handling package and ELB (Electronic Lean Burn), as well as fine tuning the Valiant to rid it of most of its annoying bugs. Many believe this car was the best of all the Valiants, however it was a case of too little, too late. The Charger, which had almost been put out of its misery with the CL,… Read more

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CHRYSLER CROSSFIRE 2003 – 2009

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Want to buy a used Mercedes-Benz sportscar at a pretty modest price? Then take a look at this Merc with a different body. An American one. Daimler and Chrysler were partners for a while and Chrysler Crossfire sits on underpinnings of a Mercedes SLK. The shape is great, featuring a huge grille, strakes on the long bonnet, vents in the front guards, and a short cabin that runs all the way to a curved-down tail in the coupe. And the roadster’s minimalist top looks great. Simply stunning and real head-turners… Read more

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GOOGLE AND FIAT ARE PARTNERS IN AUTONOMOUS CAR RESEARCH

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Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) has partnered with Waymo (previously known as the Google self-driving car project) to carry out detailed research into autonomous vehicles. Work on 100 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid minivans began in May 2016. It involves installation of a purpose-built computer and a suite of sensors, telematics and other systems. The Pacificas will will join Waymo’s test fleet in early 2017. Engineering modifications to the Pacifica Hybrid’s electrical, powertrain, chassis and structural systems are implemented to optimise the Pacifica Hybrid for Waymo’s fully self-driving technology. Waymo and FCA co-located… Read more