Chrysler by Chrysler CH

Introduction

The Chrysler by Chrysler CH model was released in November 1971 in both two and four door models. Released as a replacement to the ever popular VIP model, the Chrysler CH moved even further up the luxury ladder, and was often described as a “limousine”.

Its origins were obviously from the VH range, however there were significant changes taken to ensure it was in a class of its own. The front end treatment came courtesy of the US Dodge, while the floor-pan from the Valiant Hardtop was used, giving the big Chrysler an overall length a fraction under 5000mm (196.6 inches) and wheelbase of 2900mm (115 inches).

The side indicator/parking light setup was removed, and the bumpers extended upward to give a stronger visual appearance while adding to the bright-work. The grille incorporated twin headlights, while at the rear a horizontal tail-light assembly incorporated stop, turn signal and reversing lights in a wrap-around style.

Naturally the standard equipment list was long and detailed; it included power assisted steering and front disc brakes, tinted power operated windows, push button radio with power antenna, a carpeted boot, courtesy lighting throughout including the provision of adjustable reading lights for the rear passengers.

Significant attention was also taken to reduce NVH, particularly in regard to the fitment of extra soundproofing material. You could option the car with an electric power seat adjuster, allowing the driver to tilt the seat or move it backward and forward, up and down, all for a modest $125 premium.

The only other options any purchaser needed to consider was air-conditioning, an auto-search radio combined with stereo tape player and vinyl roof for the sedan models (the vinyl roof coming standard on the Hardtop model). The vinyl roof was available in three colours; black, parchment and brown Paisley.

A feature that is fitted to even the most utilitarian cars of today, but was a marvel back in 1971, was the illuminated ignition keyhole light fitted to the Chrysler. Activated after opening the drivers door, it would remain on for 30 seconds. The front seats were also more upmarket than the lesser Valiant models, although Chrysler chose to use a split-bench design rather than individual bucket seats.

The New 360 V8

Both the sedan and Hardtop versions could be ordered with a choice of 265 Hemi, through to the newly introduced “360” V8, this stonking 5.9 litre unit being rated at 190kW (255 bhp) and was manufactured at Chrysler’s Lonsdale (South Australia) facility. The 360 was a further development of the Fireball 318, the increase in power and size gained by using a larger bore and stroke, while the fitment of a two-barrel carburettor ensured the engine offered better performance, and worse economy if pushed hard. Whichever engine was chosen, Chrysler then mated it to an imported “TorqueFlite” three speed automatic transmission, the locally manufactured version deemed less smooth.

In every way the Chrysler by Chrysler was a worth competitor to the competition. It beat Ford’s ZF Fairlane to market by almost five months, and came fitted with much more equipment than the General’s Statesman, the latter also not being afforded the option of a 2 door model. The motoring press of the day were quick to declare the new model the “King of the Prestige” of the Big Three manufacturers. The base price for the six cylinder version Chrysler by Chrysler was $4895, rising to $5872 for the fully optioned V8. The 360 V8 was a $200 option. Today these cars are becoming rare, and are keenly sought by collectors and Chrysler fans, they representing the halcyon days of the marque in a style no other could hope to match.

The Chrysler brochure for the Chrysler by Chrysler stated the following; "Over the past four years, the full resources of Chrysler Australia have been directed toward a very special goal. To build Australia’s Ultimate Motor Car. The Chrysler is that car. We do not discuss here, the merits of owning a great luxury car. We assume you have already reached that understanding. Instead we simply list the main features:"

Exterior styling:

1. Tasteful, aerodynamic wedge styling in a full limousine size.
2. Distinctive looped front bumper, completely enclosing dual headlamps
3. Formal roof covering of paisley patterned brown vinyl, leather-grain black or parchment (Standard Hardtop, optional sedan)
4. Elegant hand-painted coachline along the full length to enhance the Chrysler’s shape
5. One piece wrap around rear bumper incorporates tail lamp grouping. Side-marker lamps have inlaid castle emblem.
   

Interior styling:

1. Woven nylon brocade upholstery in Interlaken pattern.
2. Comprehensive instrumentation including ammeter and clock, deep set in Carpathian elm panelling
3. Spacious interior dimensions: Legroom front 40.34”; rear, 38.25” minimum. Head-room front, 39”; rear, 38”. Shoulder room, front and rear, 59.2”
   

Comfort items:

1. Exclusive 50/50 split front seat design is a Chrysler first. Can be used as a groad one-piece bench seat, or with twin centre arm rests lowered, as two independent “arm chair buckets”. Each seat has its own armrest, is independently adjustable for legroom and angle of recline.
2. Full width rear seat with fold down centre arm rest.
3. Specially moulded loop pile carpeting throughout. Carpeted boot and spare wheel.
4. Standard 13 transistor push button radio
5. Options of Airtemp air-conditioning, Searchtune radio,, with stereo cassette tape player.
   

Convenience items:

1. Power operated windows, power disc brakes and power radio antenna. Co-axial steering with built in “road feel”
2. Illuminated boot, glove box and ash receiver. Twin rear compartment reading lamps, time delay ignition light, 4 door courtesy switches, fender indicator lights
3. Deep, jet aircraft type vinyl pockets on the rear of the front seats for rear passenger stowage.
4. Seat belts for all passengers. Front seat harnesses are linked to automatic retractors.
5. Remote control exterior rear view mirror. Prismatic day/night interior rear view mirror.
6. Elegant leather-grain inside door pull handles. Flush mounted pull-type exterior door handles.
7. Anti-theft steering column ignition lock.
   

Engineering:

1. 360 cubic inch Chrysler V8 developing 255 brake horsepower at 4,400 revolutions per minute. Or 265 cubic inch displacement Hemi six cylinder.
2. Smooth 3-speed column mounted “TorqueFlite” automatic transmission.
3. Torsion bar front suspension with anti-lean sway bar. 4-leaf semi elliptic spring rear suspension with isolators for noise reduction.
4. Unibody construction using 8,000 individual welds for enormous strength and silence
   

Quality Control:

1. Double thickness paint-work and sound insulation throughout.
2. 11 additional inspectors devote full time to performing 140 overlapping quality control checks.
3. A 12 mile open road test is carried out in addition to the normal factory road test.