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Chrysler Valiant S Series
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1962 - 1963 |
Country: |
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Engine: |
Slant 6 |
Capacity: |
3.686 ltr. |
Power: |
145 bhp |
Transmission: |
3 spd. man / 3 spd. "TorqueFlite"
auto |
Top
Speed: |
n/a |
Number
Built: |
10,009 |
Collectability: |
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Chrysler Valiant S Series
Reviewed by Unique Cars and Parts
Our Rating: 4
Introduction
The Valiant S series,
or SV-1, was an evolution of the R Series, it
continuing the theme of a US design being locally
assembled.
Chrysler Australia chiefs new they
were on a winner with the new Valiant, the R
Series selling out within days of its launch,
and so plans were made to bring the newly US
released S Series into the country just as quickly
as possible.
As with its predecessor, the model
range was rather limited, only the four door
model being made available – but this time
there would be more than a mere 1008 cars made
available to Chrysler dealerships around the
country.
Then Chrysler Managing Director
David H. Brown declared the S Series boasted
many improvements over the outgoing R Series,
however the move to relocate the gear shifter
from the floor to the steering column was obviously
not one of them!
Despite this obvious backward
step, there were quite a few “improvements” introduced
with the S Series, including larger brakes, a
cleaner and more modern grille treatment, smoother
flowing boot line (with the controversial fake
spare wheel moulding removed), a welcome increase
in the capacity of the fuel tank, up from 10
gallons (48 litres) to 11.7 gallons (53 litres),
and a corrosion resistant exhaust muffler.
The rear brake lights were also changed, the narrow
R Series versions being replaced by new round
style units.
Helping ease the burden to the
hip pocket nerve, the new sealed chassis system
(sealed ball joints and tie rod ends) made the
lubrication at 2000 miles (3200km) no longer
necessary, it increased to a whopping 32,000
miles (51,200km) excluding of course the front
end, which typically for the time still required
regular greasing.
The price increase over the
outgoing model was kept to a modest ₤16
, the base price now being ₤1255 ($2510)
and ₤1385 ($2670) for the automatic. Dealers
could easily justify the increase when detailing
the obvious savings every new S Series owner
would make with the new chassis system. Following
the trend set by the R Series, the S Series was
popular, and waiting lists ensued. If you wanted
one, be prepared to wait.
The Chrysler marketing
campaign at the time detailed 21 ways “You’ll
like Valiant Best!”
21 Ways You'll Like Valiant Best
- You benefit from
the fact that Valiant is a well tried and proven
car. Right from its introduction in the U.S.A.
in 1959, Valiant won unstinted applause from
the public and motoring critics alike. Now Valiant
comes to Australia, proved and improved as the
result of the experience in the hands of over
500,000 owners.
- To say that you will be thrilled at the way
this car handles is an understatement. If you
haven’t driven Valiant, please take that
test drive soon. As for its all-round qualities
of performance, we are content to let Valiant
speak for itself.
- You’ll be proud to drive the longest,
lithest beauty in its class. You don’t
need a tape-measure to confirm this fact, your
eyes (and pulse) will tell you it is so. Valiant’s
dimensions are: (a) Overall length, 184.2 in;
(b) Overall height (unladen), 56.7 in
- You will appreciate Valiant’s “King
Size” luggage space (biggest in its class).
Valiant’s luggage boot is 50.2 in long,
capacity 24.9 cu. ft., and every square inch
is usable because the spare tyre is completely
out of the way – flat mounted in a special
recessed compartment in the floor.
- Style that will make you stop, look and whistle.
The natural colour photos of Valiant shown in
this catalogue speak more convincingly than a
thousand words.
- You’ll find Chrysler “Torsion-Aire” the
smoothest ride of your life. Instead of coil
springs at the front, Valiant has torsion bars
of high-chrome steel. The torsion (or twist)
of these bars resists the up-and-down motion
of the wheels, gradually, giving you a smoother,
steadier ride. At the rear are wide-spaced, fast
acting “Levelizer” leaf springs.
These are made stiff near the front for firm
ride control, limber at the back for gentle cushioning.
- Valiant’s wider track means extra stability
and safety. Another reason why Valiant is so
sure footed is its wide track, 55.9 in. at front,
55.6 in. at rear.
- Another Chrysler first…the amazing
new Alternator. Unlike the generator, Valiant’s
alternator keeps charging even when the engine
is idling. The result – easier starting
in cold weather, less battery trouble and longer battery life.
- Optional TorqueFlite 3-speed push-button automatic
transmission. TorqueFlite is a completely automatic
3-speed transmission, controlled by the accelerator
pedal and five pushbuttons. All upshifts or downshifts
are made automatically and quietly. Push button
D (drive) covers all normal driving needs. Pressing
the “2” button keeps transmission from shifting into “high”, providing
powerful engine grakeing, or for stop-and-go
driving in heavy traffic. Button “1” holds
the transmission in low range for driving in
sand or mud. A lever is provided to lock the transmission when parked.
- Unibody construction ends the major cause
of body rattles and squeaks. Instead of bolting
body to frame, Valiant combines both into a rigid
one-piece unit by over 5,300 spot and seam welds. “The
Autocar” described Chrysler’s “Unibody” as “the
most advanced unit construction body yet designed.
- Instruments are easy to read. Instruments
are grouped in front of the driver in a hooded
panel, matt-black in colour to eliminate reflections.
- Front seat “Tailors” itself to
suit your driving position. Mounted on a curved
track, the front seat tilts back slightly when
moved to the rear.
- This engine will give you a new slant on
power with economy. Valiant’s ultra-modern
O.H.V. “six” is inclined 30˚ to
the right. This not only allows for a lower bonnet
line, but also allows the water pump to be mounted
on the side, saving 4 in. in engine length, which
has been added to the passenger compartment.
Inclining the engine also makes possible intake
and exhaust manifolding of very high efficiency.
The intake manifold has six individual branches
which not only feed an even fuel mixture to each
cylinder, but have long radius curves permitting
gases to enter the cylinders with a minimum of
restriction. aluminium is used extensively to
eliminate dead weight. The engine develops 145
bhp and 215 lbs./ft. torque. It performs like
a V8, but has the traditional economy of a “six”.
- Dual headlights. Look smarter, provide greater
safety for night driving.
- Visibly, Valiant puts safety first. Wide,
curved windscreen and low bonnet line give a
clear view of the road ahead.
- Perfect protection in case of a blow-out.
Valiant has 14 inch “Safety Rim” wheels,
another Chrysler exclusive.
- Reversing lights standard equipment. Greater
safety at night.
- Screened cowl-top ventilating system. Extra
comfort in hot weather.
- Safety-padded instrument panel.
- Longer periods between engine oil changes,
now only necessary every 4,000 miles
- Savings through simplified chassis lubrication.
Major chassis lubrication now necessary only
every 32,000 miles or two years. Number of lubrication
points also substantially reduced by pre-lubrication
and sealing at the factory.
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I had an S Series Valiant Automatic in the mid 1960's and performed this roll start downhill a number of times.