Chrysler Valiant (VE)

Chrysler VE Valiant
Chrysler Valiant sedan
Overview
Manufacturer	Chrysler Australia
Also called	Dodge utility[1]
Production	October 1967 – February 1969[1]
Assembly	Tonsley Park, Australia
Body and chassis
Body style	4-door sedan[1] 5-door station wagon[1] 2-door coupe utility[1]
Layout	FR layout[1]
Powertrain
Engine	225 cu in (3.7 L) I6[1] 273 cu in (4.5 L) V8[1]
Transmission	3spd manual[1] 3spd automatic[1]
Dimensions
Wheelbase	108.0 inches (2743 mm) (sedan)[1]
Length	193.7 inches (4920 mm) (sedan)[1]
Width	69.7 inches (1770 mm) (sedan)[1]
Height	55.0 inches (1397 mm) (sedan)[1]
Curb weight	2950 lb (1338 kg) (sedan)[1]
Chronology
Predecessor	Chrysler VC Valiant[1]
Successor	Chrysler VF Valiant[1]

The Chrysler VE Valiant is an automobile that was produced in Australia by Chrysler Australia from 1967 to 1969.^[1] It was released in October 1967, replacing the Chrysler VC Valiant.^[1] The premium model in the range was renamed Valiant VIP due to the V8 engine becoming an option across the entire range.

The VE series Valiant was offered in 4-door sedan, 5-door station wagon and 2-door coupe utility models.^[1]

• Valiant sedan^[2] (VE-M41)
• Valiant Safari wagon^[2] (VE-M45)
• Valiant Regal sedan^[2] (VE-H41)
• Valiant Regal Safari wagon^[2] (VE-H45)
• Valiant VIP sedan^[3] (VE-P41)
• Valiant VIP Safari wagon^[3] (VE-P45)
• Valiant utility^[1] (VE-L20)
• Valiant Wayfarer utility^[1] (VE-M20)

VE series Valiant and Valiant Wayfarer utility models were introduced in May 1968.^[4]

• 
  Chrysler VE Valiant sedan
• 
  Chrysler VE Valiant Safari wagon
• 
  Chrysler VE Valiant Safari wagon
• 
  Chrysler VE Valiant Regal sedan
• 
  Chrysler VE Valiant Regal sedan
• 
  Chrysler VE Valiant VIP sedan
• 
  Chrysler VE Valiant VIP sedan
• 
  Chrysler VE Valiant utility

A variant of the Valiant utility was marketed as the Dodge utility.^[5] (VE-E20) The Dodge was equipped with painted grille and bumpers^[5] unlike the chromed examples fitted to VE Valiants.

The VE Valiant was larger than any previous Valiant model.^[1] Styling was based on that of the US Dodge Dart and Plymouth Valiant models with no body panels carried over from the VC Valiant. While the styling from the A-pillar back was Australian-influenced, sheeting forward of the A-pillar and bonnet was that of the U.S. Dart/Valiant models with the exception of the grille which was convex on the Australian models as opposed to concave on the U.S. models.^[6] Also new in the VE range were dual-line brakes, double-sided safety wheel rims, front safety belts and power-assisted front disc brakes on V8 models.^[1] The Valiant VIP (four-door performance model) was offered for the first time,^[1] the new model featuring the V8 engine, automatic transmission, power steering, front disc brakes and reclining front seats.^[6]

A 145 bhp 225 cu in (3.7 L) Straight-six, a 160 bhp 225 cu in (3.7 L) "High Performance" Straight-six and a 195 bhp 273 cu in (4.5 L) V8 engine were available, the VE being the first series to be offered with a choice of three engines.^[1] Three speed manual and three-speed "Torque-Flite" automatic transmissions were offered.^[1] The V8 engine and automatic transmission were standard on the VIP.^[3]

The VE Valiant was announced as the winner of the Wheels magazine Car of the Year award in January 1968.^[7]

A total of 68,688 VE Valiants were built prior to its replacement by the VF Valiant range in March 1969.^[1]

• Chrysler Valiant

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