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There is no doubt that the classic Dodge Charger is one of the most recognizable cars here in the U.S. Along with its comrades, the Ford Mustang and the Chevrolet Camaro, the Charger helped define the very essence of the muscle car era and took vintage racing circuits by storm. But the Charger wasn’t just successful here. In its Chrysler Valiant form, the Charger also became one of the most notable cars in Australia. That is why, as we found out from Allpar.com, that the Valiant Charger is being called one of Australia’s most important vehicles.
The Valiant Charger was produced by Chrysler Australia from 1971 to 1978. A bit different from its like-named American relative, the Valiant Charger was an A-body, 2-door coupe built around the Chrysler Valiant platform. With its short wheelbase and available HEMI 6 and V8 Chrysler LA engine variations, the car was an instant hit at dealerships and on Australian race circuits.
According to Australia’s “The Age” publication, the Valiant Charger brought a needed punch in the arm for Chrysler Australia. Although building the muscle car coupe on a shortened wheelbase was a risk for the company, the car was instantly successful, becoming the top selling model for Chrysler Australia right after its release. Had the car not been produced, Chrysler Australia would have seen its demise much sooner than it did.
During 1971 and 1972, the Valiant Charger was raced in an official capacity, with the most concentration being put on the famous Australian Bathurst 500 mile touring car events.
With the help of race driver Leo Geoghegan, Chrysler Australia developed the Charger to be a fierce competitor in the touring car field. For 1971, the Valiant Charger R/T E38 option brought 280bhp and the Chrysler’s best chance at dethroning the Falcon-Holden stronghold on the touring car circuit.
Although somewhat successful, the Valiant Charger didn’t see its best year in touring car racing until 1972 with the new E49 option for the R/T version of the Charger. This new performance version of the car brought a respectable 302bhp to the table and remarkable amounts of torque from a seven bearing configuration. Matted to a four-speed gearbox, the ‘72 E49 Valiant Charger was the most powerful six-cylinder car at the time, and this resulted in a third place finish at the 1972 Hardie-Ferodo 500 at Bathurst.
Unfortunately, the Valiant Charger’s success on the track was short-lived in Australia. Due to rule changes in 1973, Chrysler pulled out of touring car racing. In New Zealand, where touring car rules were less demanding, the Valiant Charger was nearly unbeatable from 1971 to 1979.
The Valiant Charger remained in production in Australia for a few years, with VJ, VK and CL generations along the way. Unfortunately, just like its American cousin, the Charger model was eventually discontinued, taking its last breath in 1978.
Although brief, the Valiant Charger’s existence made a huge impact in the Australian market. Along with a few Holden models, the Ford Falcon XE and GT, Ford Fairlane, Mitsubishi Magna, and the Bolwell Nagari, the Charger will forever be remembered as one of the most notable cars in Australian automotive history.
