1964 AP5 Valiant Regal Safari

Seems there was a time in the late '50s and early '60s that a lodge in Kenya, 'Daktari' (remember that one?!) and traipsing across the African savannah was all the rage, which probably goes some of the way to explaining why Chrysler chose to call the first Valiant wagon 'Safari' upon its release in November, 1963. It had been a tumultuous 18 months for Chrysler Australia up to that point in time, with demand far exceeding supply for the R and S-Series sedans. That demand convinced Chrysler to move from assembly to full manufacture in Australia - starting with the AP5.

The confidence and investment that came with the commitment to Australian manufacture also enabled Chrysler to address two holes in the Valiant lineup - a luxury sedan and a wagon. With station wagons accounting for 25% of new car sales in 1963, it was a market Chrysler couldn't afford to ignore. The 'Safari' wagon, in either standard or upmarket 'Regal' spec, proved to be just as popular as the sedan, but the splitting of the assembly line to accommodate the wagons further extended what were already very long waiting lists for buyers. Most found the wait to be worth it though, as the Safari wagon was superior to the equivalent Ford or Holden wagon in just about every measure - load space, build quality, engine power, driver comforts, tailgate operation - you name it.

Our feature car came into the possession of one such patient buyer, who owned it from new, and only passed it on when he couldn't renew his license. Being a Regal-spec wagon meant this Safari received better quality seats, stainless steel sill plates and rear dust deflectors, bonnet emblem, whitewall tyres and special hubcaps and trim rings. (The car currently wears non-standard hubcaps, but the originals can be supplied) Since coming into JBC's yard, it has been treated to a professional respray in a shade close to its original light tan, plus a retrimmed front bench seat and new carpet in the wagon bed.

Inside, our feature Safari has seatbelts allround, as well as a genuine 'Air Chief' pull-out radio. (Note: the radio works but doesn't pull out. This and a faulty fuel gauge can be fixed upon sale). The concours-minded may want to devote some attention to the interior, but it's more than suitable for daily-driver use. The Valiant's distinctive push-button auto transmission - a feature phased out with the AP6 - has been refurbished and works well. Styling-wise, the AP5 may not be to everyone's taste, but the extra power of the 225ci slant six makes a Safari a much better option for towing a vintage era caravan - something you see more and more wagons from this era doing.

The very good overall condition of this example, plus the scarcity of AP5s today, make this Safari well worth exploring.

Mike Ryan

WHAT, WHERE, WHEN & HOW MUCH
Model: Valiant AP5 Regal Safari
Year: 1964
Dealer: JBC Cars
399 Gympie St,
Strathpine, QLD, 4500 Ph: (07) 3205 2366

Price: $13,995
0-100 kph: About 16 seconds
Best point: Very well presented wagon
Worst point:. . . but still a wagon
Recommendation: One for the Chrysler fan to take on his/her own Safari!

Trivia: The word 'safari' has been attributed to arabic, swahili and even ancient hebrew. With a few variations in pronunciation, they all mean the same thing - journey.