1962 Chrysler Valiant R & S Series. August 2007

As part of the DaimlerChrysler alliance Chrysler Australia is today experiencing a new found growth that hasn't been matched since the exhilarating days of the Valiant - some 40 years ago.
Chrysler first gained a footing in Australia in the 1920s and in 1935 18 independent distributors formed Chrysler Dodge De Soto Distributors (Aust) Pty Ltd to purchase and market Chrysler products. The company was entirely Australian owned until 1951 when Chrysler Corporation brought a controlling interest and changed the name to Chrysler Australia Ltd. Rapid expansion followed as Chrysler tried to emanate the success of locally built Holdens.
Chrysler assembled and partly manufactured six-cylinder and V8 Royal and Dodge Phoenix sedans, based on US designs. In 1958 Chrysler acquired a 30 percent interest in Simca Automobiles of France, and commenced importing them into Australia.
Despite importing and building a number of brands (including British Hillmans, Humbers and Singers), Chrysler is best known for the Valiant, which was introduced in January 1962.
It was officially unveiled by the South Australian Premier, Sir Thomas Playford.
The first Valiant was essentially a rebadged import of the Plymouth Valiant from the US with minimum modification. Initially assembled in Adelaide, they proved extremely popular, with Chrysler assembling 10,000 Valiants in 1962, yet still failing to meet demand.
The first model was the R Series (model RV-1), which was basically a copy of the 1961 Plymouth. It sported an extraordinary body, with outrageous curves, sculptured fins and generous lashings of chrome body mouldings - it was like nothing else on the market. It was more powerful than the equivalent Holdens and Falcons and its success led Chrysler to invest a massive $36 million to enable it to build 50,000 Valiants a year.
The Valiant R was a stand alone car that despite its edgy looks was roomy, well built and powerful enough for Australian tastes. The 'R' was locally assembled from US parts, and at launch Chrysler boasted that it could achieve a top speed of 94 mph, achieve a standing quarter mile in 19.5 seconds, and as a concession to local conditions, was fitted with 14-inch wheels for extra clearance.
It was offered only as a sedan with a "slant six" 225 (3.686-litre) six cylinder engine. It produced 108kW at 4000rpm and a creditable 292Nm of torque at 2800rpm. It was fitted with a standard three speed manual transmission, with a Torqueflite auto optional (extra $272). The manual used a floor shift with a long curved gear shifter, while the auto was controlled by buttons on the right hand side of the dash.
It had a box section chassis, independent torsion bar front suspension and a rigid live axle. The base R Series was priced at $2,598 and the auto $2,870. Only 1,008 R Series Valiants were sold in what may be the shortest production run ever. The R Series were sold for just 2 months, before being superseded by the S Series in March 1962.
The 'S' was basically a twin of the 'R' Series with minor styling changes. Gone was the fake wheel moulding on the boot lid, replaced by a neat chromed emblem bearing the word 'Valiant'. The cats eyes tail lights on the 'R' were gone and replaced with a more conventional round tail light and indicator assembly. The 'S' was also locally assembled and only offered as a four-door sedan. It was fitted with the same 3.68 litre six engine. The manual gear shift was relocated to the steering column. It was distinguished by a new grille, a smooth boot lid and conventional tail lights. 10,009 'S' models were made, of which 5,496 were automatics and 4,513 manuals. They were priced at $2,510 (manual) and $2,770 (auto). The R Series are now relatively rare and are certainly highly desirable amongst collectors.