Cars You Don't See Everyday
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This car was designed to look “European” and be economical to run. The car had a new slant-six engine and that allowed for a longer intake manifold and a lowerer transmission tunnel.
Aside from its somewhat radical styling, the new car would have a number of mechanical innovations, capped off by its slant-six engine. It would be called the Valiant and initially be offered for sale at both Plymouth and Dodge dealers.
© Fred Winograd copyright 2010
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This was a car that sold fairly well before this major style change. In 1963 the car was redesigned.
The Valiant was totally reskinned for 1963 with a 1⁄2 in (13 mm) shorter wheelbase; it had a wide, flat hood and a flat square rear deck. The upper belt feature line ran from the rear body, in a gentle sweep, to the front fender tip. Here it was ‘veed’ back and down to the trailing edge of the front fender. The roofline was flatter and sharpened in profile. The grille was a variation of the inverted trapezoid shape that characterized contemporary Chryslers, with a fine mesh insert. Advances in body structure, many accessories and a new spring-staged choke were promotional highlights. The Valiant was offered as a 2-door coupe or hardtop, a 4-door sedan and a station wagon. The hardtop and the convertible, with manual- or optional power-operated top, were offered only in the high V200 and premium Signet trim levels.
© Fred Winograd copyright 2010